Honey harvesting in Rajshahi mustard fields boosts farmers’ income, employment, and crop pollination success. Photo : BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, Jan 13, 2026 (BSS) - Honey collection in mustard fields has emerged as a blessing for many grassroots farmers in Rajshahi region, including the vast Barind tract, as it is significantly improving their livelihoods and income.

Scores of farmers are now spending busy days harvesting honey commercially following the blooming of mustard plants.

Khalilur Rahman, a farmer from Bijoynagar village under Godagari upazila, has been involved in honey harvesting from mustard fields for the last couple of decades.

Similarly, Azim Uddin, 58, of Gangarampur village under Charghat upazila, has been harvesting honey for 15 years by rearing native bee species 'serena' in 20 boxes.

Abir Hossain, a farmer of Purba Bamnal village under Godagari upazila, said he collects around 15 kilograms of honey per box every month on average. He earns more than Taka five lakh every winter season by selling honey collected from mustard fields.

"I've received mustard seed, fertilizer, honeybees, training and digital honey-collecting boxes, tools and wares as government support," Hossain said, adding that the assistance inspired him to expand honey harvesting further.

Like him, many other farmers have taken up honey harvesting after receiving government support and utilizing local natural resources.

Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Atanu Sarker told BSS that groups of farmers in each union were provided with assistance to promote honey collection.

Locals said the number of honey harvesters is increasing gradually as the activity is highly lucrative. Honeybee rearing in mustard fields also plays a vital role in proper pollination of the crop. As a result, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) encourages farmers to rear honeybees under various special projects.

Prof Redwanur Rahman of the Institute of Environmental Sciences at Rajshahi University said honey farmers need more technological support, financial assistance and a sound marketing system to make the sector more profitable.

Like previous years, honey collectors have set up boxes in different areas this season, and composite farming is increasingly being recognized as an effective way to boost mustard yield in the region.

DAE Additional Director Dr Azizur Rahman said honey hunting is expanding to new areas every year, contributing significantly to employment generation while increasing honey production.

Meanwhile, around 6.46 lakh tonnes of mustard is expected to be harvested from 3.89 lakh hectares of land across eight districts in Rajshahi division during the current Rabi season.

The DAE has set a target of producing 3.06 lakh tonnes of mustard from 1.82 lakh hectares in four districts under the Rajshahi Agricultural Zone, while another 3.40 lakh tonnes is expected from 2.07 lakh hectares in four districts under the Bogra Agricultural Zone.

At present, mustard fields across the region have started turning yellow, creating an eye-catching landscape. Favorable climate conditions and various DAE initiatives during the current Rabi season indicate a bumper production of mustard.