Satkhira targets 75 tons of honey production from mustard flowers
Ahsanul Amin George, Khulna :
The horizons of Satkhira are adorned with the yellow colour of mustard flowers. This season, about 10,000 bee boxes have been installed in different areas of the district to collect honey from mustard flowers.
The Agriculture Department is expecting to produce 75 metric tons of honey from these bee boxes.
On a winter morning, the ancient mustard fields are adorned with the splendor of raw turmeric amidst the evergreen greenery. Bees busy collecting pollen from flowers have brought back the vitality of rural nature.
According to Agriculture Department sources, mustard was cultivated on 19,025 hectares of land in the district in 2023. In 2024, due to heavy rains and waterlogging, mustard was cultivated on 17,531 hectares of land in the district.
The target for the current 2025 has been set at 19,050 hectares of land. Mustard cultivation has been comparatively high in Satkhira Sadar, Tala, Kalaroa and Debhata upazilas.
The Agriculture Department says, ‘Since mustard cultivation has increased compared to before, honey and beeswax production will also increase.’
Farmers said, ‘Land is prepared for mustard cultivation from the month of Ashwin. It costs 6-7 thousand taka to produce 5/6 maunds of mustard per bigha of land.’
Farmers complain that fertilizer, which was 17 taka last year, is now being purchased at 30 taka per kg. Allegations of non-cooperation are against the Agriculture Department.
They will face losses if they do not get a fair price for their crops. Farmers seek the cooperation of the concerned authorities in this regard.
Mosharraf Hossain, president of the Satkhira District Beekeepers and Honey Traders Association, said, “The mustard fields of Satkhira are a blessing for our beekeepers.
We hope that both the quality and quantity of honey will be good this time due to the abundance of mustard flowers. On the one hand, farmers and beekeepers are benefiting from this, while on the other hand, safe food is being ensured.
If government sponsorship and training are increased, the honey of this region can meet the country’s demand and also find a place in the international market.
Md. Saiful Islam, deputy director of Satkhira Department of Agricultural Extension, said, “Many unemployed youth are getting employment opportunities through beekeeping. Currently, 28 farmers have set up about 10,000 bee boxes. It is expected that 75 metric tons of honey will be produced this time as per the target.”
Director of Satkhira Department of Agriculture Extension Agriculturist Md. Saiful Islam said, “Beekeepers are busy collecting honey and wax from mustard flowers. Honey can be collected five to seven times per season from each beehive box.
Currently, mustard flower honey is being sold for 15 to 17 thousand taka per maund. According to honey traders, it is possible to meet the country’s demand and export honey abroad if government assistance is received.”
Meanwhile, District Food Safety Department is conducting tests through a mobile lab to identify adulterated honey.
Satkhira District Food Safety Officer Dipankar Dutta said, “Regular campaigns are underway to identify adulterated honey. Legal action is being taken against anyone selling adulterated products.”
In addition to mustard, mobile beekeepers collect honey all year round by placing beehive boxes around plum, litchi flowers and the Sundarbans. The Agriculture Department claims that this sector has provided employment to about 15 thousand people in the district