DAMAULI, Farmers in Aabukhaireni Rural Municipality in Tanahu are expressing excitement after receiving subsidies for honey and meat production under a production-based support program initiated by the local government.

The rural municipality provided subsidies at the rate of Rs 25 per kilogram to encourage farmers to engage in honey and meat production, according to Santosh KC, chief of the agriculture branch of the municipality.

In the current fiscal year, farmers from Wards 4 and 5 received a total subsidy of Rs 393,450 for their honey and meat yields. The municipality has also facilitated the transportation of these products to market.

“There is great potential for honey and meat production in the municipality,” said KC. “This subsidy policy aims to ensure that farmers continue in this sector. We’ve fixed the support amount at Rs 25 per kilogram.”

A total of 123 farmers from seven farmer groups benefited from the subsidy program this year. For instance, the Thamchuli Beekeepers Farmers Group in Ward 4 received Rs 17,700 in subsidies for producing 450 kg of meat and 258 kg of honey. The Khasrang Village Farmers Group in the same ward received Rs 69,925 for 2,797 kg of meat.

Similarly, the Mai Chimkeshwari Farmers Group in Ward 5 earned Rs 21,775 in subsidies for producing 871 kg of meat, while the Kholagaun Farmers Group received Rs 64,750 for 2,590 kg.

The Indradevi Farmers Group received Rs 26,250 for 1,500 kg of meat, and the Bhukundi Kheusing Farmers’ Group received Rs 150,175 for producing 6,070 kg. Meanwhile, the Thanimai Farmers’ Group received Rs 43,575 for 1,732 kg of meat and 11 kg of honey.

Farmers have welcomed the municipality’s efforts. Shukmaya Praja, chairperson of the Khola Village Farmers’ Group, said the subsidy has encouraged more engagement in farming.

“The municipality’s support in honey and meat production helps farmers stay in this occupation,” he said in an interview with RSS.

Bimala Gurung, chairperson of the Bhukundi Kheusing Farmers’ Group, also expressed confidence that the subsidy policy will attract more individuals to agriculture and strengthen local livelihoods.