Dabur Nepal, a subsidiary of the Indian multinational company Dabur, has requested the Government of Nepal to lift the ban on importing honey, citing challenges in sourcing quality raw materials locally. The government imposed the ban in April to address the lack of sale of domestic honey.
In August, Dabur Nepal formally wrote to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD) seeking permission to resume honey imports. More recently, it submitted a similar request to the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies (MoICS).
Baburam Adhikari, joint secretary at MoICS, revealed that Dabur Nepal raised concerns regarding the quality and price of domestic honey, arguing it does not meet the company’s standards. The company has been importing honey from India at a lower cost, which it claims is essential to maintaining its product quality and brand reputation.
"The ministry proposed that Dabur Nepal purchase local honey, but the company stated that domestic honey is inconsistent in quality and too expensive," Adhikari said. "Dabur is worried that using substandard honey could compromise its products and harm its brand."
Dabur Nepal declined to comment on the issue.
In response to Dabur's request, MoALD has formed a committee led by Bhojraj Sapkota, head of the Plant Quarantine and Pesticide Management Center. The committee will assess domestic honey production, current stocks, and industry requirements before making a recommendation.
MoALD Spokesperson Dr Matina Joshi Vaidya confirmed that Dabur Nepal and other industries have cited a shortage of raw materials necessary for their operations.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Nepal Beekeepers (FNBK) stated that domestic honey stocks have already been depleted and production for the new season is underway. Nepal produces approximately 5,000 metric tons of honey annually, against a domestic demand of 8,000 metric tons, leaving a shortfall of 3,000 metric tons. Despite this, local honey faces challenges in competing with cheaper imports.
FNBK President Subash Chandra Ghimire noted that Dabur Nepal agreed last year to purchase 100 metric tons of Nepali honey under a government proposal but has so far only purchased 45 metric tons. Ghimire added that Nepali farmers struggle because their production cost is Rs 400 per kilogram, while imported honey costs Rs 200 per kilogram.
"Even if imports are allowed, strict limits should be imposed, such as permitting only 125 metric tons every three months," Ghimire suggested. "Any imports should also require the approval of the Bee Development Center to ensure fair competition."
The government initially stopped issuing import permits after FNBK highlighted a surplus of 3,200 metric tons of honey produced by farmers last year. Nepali industrialists currently import honey from India, New Zealand, and other countries. Beekeeping is practiced in 42 districts across Nepal, involving 13,800 farmers affiliated with FNBK.
