Pure local honey from Wangdue Phodrang will now hit the market. The Wangdue Dzongkhag Livestock sector successfully harvested its first honey production piloted in three Gewogs of Phobji, Gangteng and Dangchhu.
The Livestock Sector distributed beehives to 16 individuals on pilot basis. An intensive training on beekeeping was also conducted for them. The farmers were taught how to make beehives, harvesting honey, increasing the bees and its production.
Phobji was the first Gewog, among the three, to harvest honey recently. From 45 beehives, more than 810 kilogrammes of honey was extracted. The honey was then packaged in some 400 bottles and labelled for sale. The livestock sector initiated the entire project and marketing. However, from now on, the beekeepers will have to carry out on their own.
A beekeeper, Sangay Dorji said till now, their main source of income was from potato. “But now the beekeeping business will add to our income,” he said. “Beekeeping doesn’t need heavy work.” Sangay added that with just few beehives, he could earn over Nu 400,000 in a year.
Another beekeeper, Thinley Dorji, agree that the business is profitable. “If we are dedicated and carry out the work properly, the area is good for honey production here.” We must also focus on planting those plants which are best for bees for nectar.
If everything goes well, the Livestock sector plans to form an association of beekeepers within the Dzongkhag. “We feel from next year the production will increase,” said the Livestock Production officer, Karma Wangchuk, who also plans to equip the association with better infrastructure to increase rural income.
