Conservation of honeybees underscored on World Honey Bee Day

Tamulpur, Aug 19: World Honey Bee Day was celebrated in Bishnupur village on Saturday by BARD and KVIC in association with GETF (Green Environment Task Force), an organization working for the last few years on conservation of honeybees and promotion of scientific beekeeping in the district. The celebration was on the theme ‘Save Honey bees’. On the occasion, 300 farmers and beekeepers participated from villages mely Khamarigaon, Ulubari, Barimakha, Motipur, Panbari, Chaibari, Dhanbil, Bagulamari, Pakhamara, Barbari, Paschim Diringapur, Manikpur, Polashi, Amingaon, Bhagpura, Kakatigaon, rayanpur, Kataligaon, Dakhinsupa, Digloldonga, Udaypur and Diyapara.

The major objective of the day was to create mass awareness about the need for conservation of honey bees and knowledge on scientific beekeeping as a livelihood option for farmers.  Since beekeeping has been useful in pollition of crops, thereby increasing income of farmers/beekeepers by way of increasing crop yield and providing honey and other hive products like royal jelly, bee pollen, propolis and bee wax, it thus serves as a livelihood for rural poor.  This will lead to productivity enhancement and famers’ income, besides addressing environmental issues.

The main activities that were conducted were a colourful rally, awareness meeting, beehive and live colonies demonstration along with display of beekeeping tools and equipment, poster presentation, small honey stall and essay competition among school students. Beekeepers, farmers, representatives from ABSU Barbari Anchalik and women groups and students participated in the rally. Apart from this, essay competition on the theme was held among the students of Class IX and Class X of Barbari Nehru High School. Beekeepers Mahadeb Ramchiary, Boloram Brahma and gen Basumatary were awarded as Best Beekeeper for their efficient skill in beekeeping and honey production.