Farmers in Katihar get training in beekeeping

KATIHAR: Steps are being taken to make Katihar a honey production hub in the state by promoting beekeeping among farmers in the district.
In an effort to augment farmers’ income as well as making them self-reliant, the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and Katihar horticulture department provide training to farmers in beekeeping from time to time.
Recently, ATMA provided training to 130 farmers in beekeeping and harvesting.
Katihar horticulture department assistant director Rahul Kumar said: “Approximately 22-25 tonne honey is produced in the district with an annual turnover of Rs80 to 100 lakh.”
To promote production of honey in the state, financial assistance is provided to farmers by district horticulture office as well as JEEViKA. “Subsidy is given to farmers for purchasing honey boxes and honey extractors. The OBC and general category farmers can get 75% subsidy, whereas honey producers under the SC/ST category receive 90% financial assistance by the government,” Kumar said.
He said beekeeping and honey extraction is labour-intensive work. “Workers engaged in this job are required to move their honey boxes to different locations to boost honey production,” Kumar said.
He added that during flowering season, boxes are shifted to other places. “Honey boxes kept in farmlands help in increasing the yield of crops. Bee helps in cross-pollination and upping the yield of the crop per acre. It is a win-win situation for farmers as well as honey producers,” Kumar said.