GANGTOK: A training and distribution programme on beekeeping was jointly organised by Agriculture & Horticulture department Pakyong, ICAR-NRC Orchids, ICAR-KVK East & Cipla Foundation at Rurban Complex, Pakyong on January 29.
The initiative is carried out under the chairmanship of District Collector Pakyong to popularise organic honey and turmeric in the State.
Addressing the gathering, Tshering Chophel Bhutia, additional director, Agriculture and Horticulture department, stressed focusing on the purity of honey and utilising the resources to improve the honey production in a sustainable manner. He then underlined the importance of the Madhukranti Portal, which allows bee farmers to register under various categories so that the authorities have a database about the authenticity of the honey produced.
In addition, he also informed on the importance of achieving FSSAI certification, quality checks and organic certification for FPOs before showcasing the items in the market.
Furthermore, he outlined various market and business strategies to elevate the livelihoods of farmers while assuring to provide assistance through collaborative efforts and popularise organic honey and turmeric in the state.
Rebecca Gurung, deputy director, Agriculture department, emphasised the organic products of the state by focusing on honey and turmeric production. She advised adopting the new practices of farming for better cultivation, further emphasising the importance of soil fertility in the agricultural process.
She then stressed the demand for the honey processing sector around the globe, advising the farmers to focus on equipping themselves with the knowledge and resources provided for the production of high-quality items, work towards economic upliftment and be self-reliant.
Likewise, Dr Kalaivanan, Senior Scientist, ICAR-NRC, provided an update on the turmeric sampling and testing process to recognise the best variety for the production contributing towards the agricultural upliftment of the region.
Dr Boniface Lepcha, SMS ICAR-KVK, shared details on the turmeric training programmes designed to cultivate high-quality turmeric, elevate the standards of production and foster collaboration among farmers to enhance their turmeric cultivation practices. He then informed that through the guidance, farmers would be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to improve their outputs, which would help them meet the growing demand for premium turmeric and honey production in the market.
Dr Smruti Ranjan, SMS ICAR-KVK, discussed the integration of honeybee components within the framework of the Integrated Farming System (IFS). He underlined the importance of enhancing crop productivity while encouraging the farmers to improve their livelihoods through such practices.
Furthermore, Khem Kr Bhattarai, resource person for beekeeping, provided insights on the practices of bee management, bee science and maintenance of the colonies of the honeybees. He then advocated the gathering on branding honey products, building customer satisfaction, quality of the product and optimising the process of honey extraction.
Additionally, he also underscored the importance of protecting the bees and shared essential understanding and skills to flourish in the sector, further empowering them to embrace their role in fostering a sustainable beekeeping industry.
The day also witnessed the participation of 325 farmers along with the distribution of beekeeping boxes.
Also present were Hissey Choden Bhutia, deputy director, Horticulture department, along with officials from various line departments.
- IPR Report
