‘Nature-friendly’ bee farming model bring high income to farmer

In the semi-mountainous border region of An Giang province, Nguyen Trung Thanh of Thoi Son ward has built a thriving stingless bee operation that pairs beekeeping with herbal cultivation. The model delivers stable, high income while protecting local biodiversity and promoting sustainable agriculture.

A gentle, green approach to beekeeping

Stingless bees are smaller, calmer, and safer than common honeybees, making them well-suited for farms and households with children. They thrive on nectar and pollen from medicinal and aromatic plants, are simple to manage, and rarely abandon their nests. When integrated with herbal gardens, these bees enhance pollination, boost yields, and produce honey rich in bioactive compounds—creating a nature-friendly model with both ecological and economic benefits.

From a handful of colonies to a thriving enterprise

Thanh began with 18 colonies and, after three years, expanded to more than 500 colonies across a 2,000-square-metre area. He established Mekong Bee Herbal Beekeeping Co., Ltd. to organize production and distribution.

His method emphasizes harmony with nature: no chemical inputs, no forced honey extraction, and shaded, well-ventilated apiaries surrounded by year-round flowering herbs. Each hive yields around one litre of honey twice per year. Harvesting is done gently to protect hive structure and minimize stress, helping maintain colony health and honey quality.

Thanks to its medicinal qualities and distinctive flavor, stingless bee honey sells for about 2–2.5 million VND per litre (roughly 76–95 USD). After expenses, Thanh’s annual income is around 100 million VND. His products are sold locally and supplied to traditional medicine outlets, cosmetic producers, and retail channels.

Recognition and alignment with green development

Thanh’s project won first prize at the ninth provincial Creative Startup Ideas Contest 2025. The model is viewed as a strong fit for An Giang’s orientation toward a green and circular economy and aligns with One Commune One Product (OCOP) standards. Start-up costs and labor requirements are modest, making it accessible for young entrepreneurs and rural households, particularly in the That Son area.

Creating livelihoods and community impact

Looking ahead, Thanh plans to partner with local authorities to support poverty reduction in Thoi Son ward. The goal is to provide bee colonies, technical training, and product output guarantees for 25 low-income households, enabling sustainable income growth. With rising market demand for stingless bee honey and associated products, this approach can generate steady earnings, reinforce rural sustainability, and connect agriculture with eco-tourism and community wellness.

Next steps for growth

Thanh aims to achieve 4-star OCOP certification and register a geographical indication for “Bay Nui – An Giang stingless bee honey.” He also plans to expand market access through trade fairs and online sales channels, bringing high-quality, nature-friendly products to a wider base of consumers.