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MAGURA, Jan 23, 2025 (BSS) - Sprawling mustard fields in Magura district have already turned into a buzzing hub as farmers and beekeepers come together to harvest the oilseed as well as collect honey, an endeavor that has become lucrative and attractive among rural people due to its huge turnover.
 
Mustard fields are abuzz with bees, resulting in better pollination and a significant increase in oilseed yields in the locality, especially in the Raghdaer union under Sadar upazila this year, which is considered a boon for both farmers and apiculturists.
 
Honey Harvesting From Mustard Flowers:

Honey harvesting during the mustard flower season takes about a month, while each beehive yields 5 to 7 kilograms of honey, with collections possible every seven days.

Exceptional Success in Mustard and Honey Production:
 
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, mustard has been cultivated on 22,862 hectares of land in Magura this year, surpassing the target of 22,711 hectares by 151 hectares. Bees from apiaries surrounding the mustard fields are actively collecting honey from the flowers.
 
Farmers across the district told that beekeeping has improved pollination in mustard fields, which has not only boosted honey production but also significantly going to enhance mustard yields.
 
 
Experiences of Beekeepers:
 
Abu Bakr, a beekeeper, shared, "The demand for honey is strong. I have 35 bee hives, and I have already collected 25 maunds (1 maund = approx. 37.32 kg) of honey so far this year. I expect to collect another 15 to 20 maunds of honey from the mustard fields. I sell honey at Taka 300 to 400 per liter."
 
"I am expecting to supply honey to Dhaka along with other districts," he added.
 
Al Amin, another beekeeper, said, "I collected 15 maunds of honey from my 60 hives."
 
"The mustard fields were thriving, but my bees were weak, so I could not be able to collect as much honey as I was expecting. With stronger bees, I could have produced more honey."
 
Honey Cultivation: A Commercial Opportunity
 
DAE sources said beekeeping was conducted on 11,110 hectares of mustard fields in Magura. So far, 144 beekeepers have collected 27,550 kilograms of honey from 7,926 bee hives.
 
Starting commercial honey cultivation requires an investment of Taka 50,000 to 100,000. However, training is essential for success in this field. The potential for honey production during the winter mustard season is increasing, and beekeepers believe that proper care and training can lead to higher incomes from this sector.
 
Future Plans:
 
Dr. Md. YasinKabir, Deputy Director of the Magura Agricultural Extension Department, said, "Mustard cultivation has been excellent this year. Beekeeping plays a crucial role in mustard pollination, which enhances yields. We hope this initiative will expand further in the future."
 
The success of mustard cultivation and beekeeping in Magura has not only boosted farmers' optimism but also had a positive impact on the district's economy, he added.