Inauguration of Beekeeping Farm at Tarku

Namchi, 4th July (IPR): Minister Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Departments Mr. Lok Nath Sharma inaugurated Nature Glory Beekeeping and Honey Mission at Middle Tarku, today. He was accompained by Managing Director Nature Glory Beekeeping Mission Dr. Christopher Karki, Officials and staff of Beekeeping farm.
After the inauguration the Minister inspected the farm and interacted with the apiculture farmers and staff. He emphasized that Beekeeping is a growing market for honey and other products and if utilized smoothly beekeepers will have an opportunity to earn a steady income with its high value beehive products. He lauded this unique beekeeping initiative which is sustainable and he said that this farm can generate local employment based on the knowledge and skills the individuals have acquired from apiculture. Moreover, the Minister added that the State Government and the concerned department will assist in enhancing this farm and also explore its marketing opportunities.
Managing Director Nature Glory Beekeeping and Honey Mission Dr. Christopher Karki informed that the main objective of this farm is to promote apiculture in Sikkim thereby transforming the state into one of the largest apiculture centre in the North East region. He highlighted that this farm will also aid in generating employment as this farm not only will produce honey but will yield byproducts such as cakes, chocolate, candles and many other ventures wherein the main components would be honey. Currently, this apiary is functioning from a three hector area consisting of a total number of 180 bee hives. The Managing Director further updated that by October the staff aims to organise a ‘Bee Expo’ with the assistance of National Bee Board, this board looks after the overall development of Beekeeping by promoting Scientific Beekeeping in India to increase the productivity of crops through pollination and increase the Honey
production for increasing the income of the Beekeepers/ Farmers.