Honey industry under strain as production lags behind demand

Bangladesh’s honey industry faces a widening gap between production and demand, with experts warning that weak infrastructure, limited quality control and climate-related risks are constraining growth and export potential.

The concerns were raised at a day-long awareness and training programme at the Rural Development Academy (RDA) in Bogura on Sunday to mark World Bee Day, attended by nearly 500 beekeepers, officials and researchers.

Officials and experts said Bangladesh produces between 20,000 and 25,000 tonnes of honey annually, against domestic demand of 30,000 to 35,000 tonnes, leaving a shortfall of up to 10,000 tonnes.

Despite an estimated market size of around Tk750 crore, stakeholders said the sector remains underdeveloped, with significant potential for expansion if production systems and processing infrastructure are improved.

State Minister for Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shah-e Alam said beekeeping has become a strategic sector linked to agriculture, food security and rural employment. Officials announced plans to establish a Bee Breeding and Honey Processing Plant in Bogura under the RDA, featuring queen bee production, laboratories, storage facilities and packaging systems aimed at meeting export standards.

However, industry stakeholders said the sector remains fragmented, with around 8,000 commercial beekeepers managing more than 70,000 bee boxes, often at small scale with limited technical support and weak market access.

Experts also warned that rising pesticide use, climate change and disease outbreaks are reducing bee populations and affecting honey yields.

Researchers said Bangladesh lacks internationally certified testing laboratories and traceability systems required for export markets.