Chitwan — Honey samples from 11 farms in Chitwan have been found to be rich in nutrients and meet national quality standards, according to recent lab tests conducted by the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control.
Sujan Amgain, head of the Beekeeping Development Center in Bhandara, confirmed that the honey—sourced from mustard, chiuri, buckwheat, rudilo, and wild flora—was tested and proven to be nutritious and of high quality. The samples were collected jointly by the Beekeeping Development Center and the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project.
“All tested samples showed excellent levels of Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a key quality indicator,” said Amgain. “The results show HMF levels ranging from 10 to 15 mg per kg, well below the 40 mg/kg threshold, which is considered the maximum acceptable level.”
Honey with HMF levels above 40 mg/kg is often considered processed or overheated and therefore lower in quality.
Tests also measured moisture content, fructose-glucose ratio, reducing sugars, ash content, formic acid, insoluble matter, and sucrose levels. All fell within safe and healthy ranges, allowing consumers to use Chitwan honey with confidence, Amgain stated.
The tests were prompted by rising concerns among consumers regarding honey purity. Samples were collected from beekeepers in Kalika, Ratnanagar, Khairahani, and Rapti municipalities.
Nepal currently has around 247,000 bee colonies, with Chitwan housing 16,500 of them. The country produces about 4,000 metric tons of honey annually, 430 metric tons of which come from Chitwan.
