In a bid to boost bee-keeping industry and achieve maximum honey production, the administration of Lower Dir provided training to 80 beekeepers on scientific methods of bee-keeping aiming at exposing farmers to current research done in this sector and to make them able to start their own small business. Beekeepers were also provided bee hives, boxes and other equipment. The initiative could prove extremely profitable in bee farming and would increase productivity in the district. A press release issued by Malakand Development Program (MDP) stated that the district administration in collaboration with Agriculture Department held four separate training workshops at Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) Tarnab Farm Peshawar wherein around 80 farmers from various villages of Lower Dir were given training to improve their bee-farm management skills and management of honey bee. During training workshops, growers were informed about various species of bees and how to care them better. They were also informed about diseases affecting bees and helpful solutions regarding honey extracting / storage. The beekeepers also visited the nearest market and progressive farmers for establishing market linkages and production of market oriented items. At the conclusion, honey bee kits were also distributed among 80 beneficiaries of the district so as to promote small-scale income generating opportunities among locals.
Source: The Frontier Post.
