State scheme to promote beekeeping

Shimla, November 18

The Mukhyamantri Madhu Vikas Yojana is aimed at encouraging farmers to take up beekeeping and production of bee products in the state. This was stated by the spokesperson of the state.

He said under the scheme, assistance of a beekeeper will be provided to 50 bee colonies. The beekeeper will be given 80 per cent cost amount or Rs 1,600 per bee colony to raise 50 bee colonies. In each district, a bee-breeder of 300 bee colonies will be given an amount of Rs 3 lakh. They will be given 50 per cent subsidies on the transportation per year. A five-day training camp will be organised every year for 25 novice beekeepers, under which a sum of Rs 400 will be provided per beekeeper per day. In addition, for 20 beekeepers, a 15-day tour will be organised at renowned institutions of the country and abroad, under which a sum of Rs 7,000 per beekeeper will be provided, he added.

To establish a honey processing unit, 100 per cent of the cost of the project will be provided for the plantation of bee flora in two bighas.

Under the Horticulture Mission, there is a provision of providing 50 per cent subsidy on the production of bee colonies to the beekeepers. The farmers will also get 50 per cent subsidies on honey extractor, food grade container in which Rs 7,000 per set will be provided, an official release said. — TNS