Mustard flower honey grower in Satkhira eye huge economic prospect

Mustard flower honey cultivation is emerging as a promising economic activity in Satkhira, with growing popularity among farmers and beekeepers and significant potential for employment generation and export earnings.
 
Vast mustard fields across the district are now in full bloom, filling the air with the fragrance of yellow flowers. Bees are actively collecting nectar, while honey is being harvested simultaneously through wooden bee boxes placed in the fields.
 
According to the District office of Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), around 10,000 bee boxes have been installed across Satkhira this season. From these, authorities expect to produce approximately 75 metric tons of mustard flower honey.
 
Deputy Director of the Satkhira office of DAE told BSS that mustard is one of the major Rabi crops in the district. "Beekeepers are collecting honey and wax from mustard flowers. From each bee box, honey can be harvested five to seven times in a season," he said.
 
Currently, mustard flower honey is being sold at Taka 15,000 to Taka 17,000 per maund. In addition to mustard fields, mobile beekeepers also collect honey throughout the year from litchi orchards and from areas surrounding the Sundarbans.
 
Saiful Islam added that beekeeping has created employment opportunities for many unemployed youths. 
 
At present, 28 farmers are operating about 10,000 bee boxes in the district, generating employment for nearly 15,000 people. "If the target is achieved, honey production will reach 75 metric tons this season," he said.
 
DAE showed that mustard was cultivated on 19,025 hectares of land in Satkhira in 2023.
 
 Due to heavy rainfall and waterlogging, cultivation dropped to 17,531 hectares in 2024. The cultivation target for 2025 was set at 19,050 hectares, with higher production reported in Satkhira Sadar, Tala, Kalaroa and Debhata upazilas. Officials expect increased mustard cultivation to boost both honey and wax production.
 
Local farmers, however, have expressed concerns over rising input costs. Ajgar Ali, a farmer from Barodal village in Assasuni upazila, said that preparing land for mustard cultivation begins in the month of Ashwin. "It costs Taka 6,000 to Taka 7,000 to produce 5 to 6 maunds of mustard per bigha. Fertilizer that cost Taka 17 per kg last year now costs Taka 30," he said, urging authorities to ensure fair market prices.
 
Beekeeper Amirul Gazi said mustard honey is collected for about four months a year, from December to April, when flowers bloom extensively. "Depending on size, each box yields 30 to 40 kg of honey. I have 100 boxes, each costing Taka 6,000 to Taka 7,000. Honey sells at Taka 300 to Taka 350 per kg, generating a profit of Taka 4,000 to Taka 5,000 per box," he said.
 
He also said that beekeeping helps increase mustard yield and protects crops from insect attacks.
 
Honey trader Mosharraf Hossain from Satkhira BSCIC Industrial City said honey is processed locally at a minimal cost using modern machinery. "I have already held discussions with foreign buyers. With government cooperation, mustard flower honey can be exported abroad, earning significant foreign exchange," he said.
 
Meanwhile, Satkhira District Food Safety Officer Dipankar Dutta said regular drives are being conducted to prevent adulteration. "Legal action is being taken against anyone found mixing adulterated substances in honey," he added.
 
Experts believe that with proper government support, mustard flower honey cultivation could not only meet domestic demand but also become a major export product, playing a vital role in strengthening Satkhira's local economy.