An exhibition cum sale of honey under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) was organised in the premises of the District Horticulture office at Laitlawsang, Mawkyrwat on Wednesday.
South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Caramai Kharkongor who attended the programme underlined the importance of beekeeping as it could increase agricultural yields for the small farmers. She said the government through various schemes is promoting beekeeping and hoped that farmers benefits.
Kharkongor spoke about the various benefits of honey and urged apiarists not to sell adulterated honey. She said pure honey would not only promote income generation among farmers but a name for them and the district as a whole.
District Agriculture Officer, B Shylla spoke about the importance of beekeeping and the increasing demand for honey. He too spoke against adulterated honey.
Shylla rue that the district that was once popular for its oranges now has no more of these rich citrus as people have replaced them by cultivating broom grasses. He said broom plantations have an adverse impact on oranges.
He further urged farmers to work hard like the bees and to sell pure honey to generate customers and create a market.
General Manager of the District Commerce and Industries Centre, J Gashnga informed about the Apiculture Mission and training imparted by the centre on beekeeping. He said South West Khasi Hills district alone can produce 10 metric ton of honey if farmers work hard and hoped that a common facility centre would be set up for farmers to process honey.
Apiarists, Medar Jyrwa of Diwah Shitmoit and Tokinlang Shangdiar of Mawten village shared their experiences in beekeeping.
