Khulna: Honey harvesting activities in the Sundarbans have launched officially with a goal of collecting 1,500 quintals of honey and 400 quintals of wax. The Forest Department’s Satkhira range of the Sundarbans initiated the harvesting activities at a ceremony at Burigoalini Forest Primary School on Monday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the honey collectors will be able to harvest honey from the Sundarbans until June 30. Areas open for harvesting include Pushpakati, Notabeki, Dobeki, and Kachikata under the Satkhira range. This year, the target has been set to produce 1,500 quintals of honey and 400 quintals of wax. The government expects to earn approximately Taka 33 lakh from this endeavor as Taka 1,600 will be charged per quintal as revenue, while Taka 2,200 will be charged per quintal of wax.
Although honey harvesting began on April 1, the formal inauguration took place today, coinciding with the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr. As of Monday, 33 honey collectors have received passes for honey harvesting.
Khulna divisional forest officer AZM Hasanur Rahman presided over the honey collection inaugural ceremony, while Shyamnagar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rani Khatun, Assistant Conservator of Forest Mashiur Rahman, and senior officials were present. Representatives from the BGB, Coast Guard, Naval Police, Tourist Police, and local journalists also attended the occasion.