Chuman Gharti Magar
Creating a Buzz: Empowering Local Communities through Beekeeping
In the remote village of Musikot, a young Chuman Gharti Magar once carried two boxes of beehive frames on his back, sparking curiosity and skepticism among his fellow villagers. At that time, there were no bus services to his village, and modern beekeeping was an unfamiliar concept. Despite completing his School Leaving Certificate (SLC) and attempting traditional farming for four years, the harsh mountain climate and poor soil conditions made it unsustainable. Then, Magar turned to bee farming, an unconventional choice that led him on a transformative journey.
Magar’s initial years in beekeeping were marked by struggle and learning. He gradually understood the intricate dynamics of bee colonies, including the roles of worker bees, drones, and queen bees. In 2015, his journey took a significant turn when he joined the Daayitwa Rural Enterprise Acceleration Program (REAP). This program provided him with essential knowledge in product management, market access, enterprise growth, and financial management.
REAP was instrumental in Magar’s growth as an entrepreneur. It equipped him with the confidence to navigate the challenges of the business world, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. His introverted nature transformed into strong leadership skills, enabling him to harness his creativity and identify community opportunities. He adopted a mindset shift from "I" to "we," focusing on strengthening the community as a whole.
Magar learned to utilize locally available resources sustainably, playing a crucial role in establishing his community’s identity as a beekeeping hub. He successfully decentralized bee farming by spreading hives throughout his neighborhood. Today, he owns Malrani Mauripalan Kendra, overseeing 150 hives of local Asian honey bees (Apis cerana), producing 5–10 quintals of honey each season. His honey, sold at Rs. 1500 per kilogram, meets high local demand and reaches markets in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal, and even abroad.
Magar’s beekeeping business is not only a testament to his resilience but also a significant contributor to the local economy. The revenue generated from honey sales has provided him with a stable income, earning respect and commendation from his community. Despite the high demand, Magar often finds it challenging to fulfill market orders, underscoring the potential for scaling up production.
Beyond his business, Magar is dedicated to training aspiring beekeepers. He offers hands-on guidance, sharing his expertise with those keen to learn. He also sells bees and beehives, fostering a new generation of beekeepers who prioritize honey production over merely selling bees.
Magar’s journey has not been without challenges. Climate change poses a significant threat to beekeeping, with unpredictable weather patterns affecting bee productivity. Last year, continuous rainfall for seven days wiped out half of his hives. However, his decentralized approach to hive management and understanding of bee behavior have helped mitigate some of these challenges.
Magar envisions a future where every village in Nepal has 50-100 hives, enabling honey exports and boosting the local economy. He believes professional beekeeping is an untapped business opportunity with immense potential. His story is a powerful testament to the impact of perseverance, community support, and innovative thinking.
Magar’s journey from carrying hives on his back to becoming a successful beekeeper and community leader illustrates the transformative power of dedication and knowledge. His work not only highlights the potential of rural entrepreneurship but also serves as an inspiration for others to pursue meaningful work within their communities. Without the bees, as Magar reflects, he might have been working under the hot Gulf sun instead of flourishing in his homeland.
Chuman Gharti Magar’s story exemplifies the significant impact of the Daayitwa Rural Enterprise Acceleration Program on rural entrepreneurs. His success underscores the importance of innovative thinking, community support, and sustainable resource utilization in achieving economic empowerment and resilience. Magar’s journey is a beacon of hope and a call to action for aspiring entrepreneurs to explore and harness local opportunities, transforming challenges into triumphs.