Forest Deptt promotes Apiculture in North Sikkim

MANGAN, 20 Jan:  The Forest, Environment and Wildlife Management Department, under the Integrated Watershed Management Programme, distributed bee hives to 65 beneficiaries from Dzongu constituency during a programme held at Pheedang in Lower Dzongu, North Sikkim on 18 January.
The programme, chaired by Chedup Lepcha, Zilla Panchayat member of Lum Gor Sangtok GPU, was also attended by Samdup Bhutia, Range Officer Land Use, Karma Wangyal Lepcha, Range Officer KNP, Lhamzey Lepcha, Ward Panchayat, Rachit Dewan, Programme Officer IWMP and the beneficiaries.
Jigmee Hishey Bhutia (Technical Expert), SLNA, urged the farmers to opt for largescale bee-keeping, sharing that the Department was ready to extend marketing assistance. He also informed about departmental support programmes for those interested in opting for bamboo plantation.
The chief guest, in his address, urged farmers to make proper use of the equipment provided by the department and develop apiculture as an income generating venture. He also took the opportunity to thank the Department for the scheme. The Forest Department had earlier arranged a 3-day training for the beneficiaries.