Category: Uncategorized

Thimphu, Bhutan – March 26, 2024 – The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Bhutan, is pleased to welcome Dr. Choi Yong Soo and Dr. Kim Dong-Won from the Department of Agricultural Biology Apiculture Division, National Institute of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, Wanju, Republic of Korea. The visit aims to foster collaboration and linkage on apiculture research and development programs between the Department of Livestock, Bhutan, and the Apiculture Division, NIAS, in Korea.

Dr. Choi Yong Soo, Head of the Department of Agricultural Biology Apiculture Division, brings his expertise in apiculture production and disease, honeybee breeding, and apiculture research. Accompanying him is Dr.Kim Dong-Won, specialized in honeybee breeding.

During their visit, the apiculture scientist will pay courtesy calls to the Hon’ble Secretary of MoAL, the Director, and Chiefs of the Department of Livestock, and visit the National Livestock Research Centre (NLRC) in Bumthang. The collaboration aims to enhance technical expertise and capacity development on honeybee disease, breeding, product processing, and value addition. The visit will also focus on honey testing and certification, developing action plans for high-value honey products, and collaborating on research trials for Royal Jelly and Propolis.

This visit signifies a strong partnership between Bhutan and Korea in the field of apiculture, promising exciting developments and advancements in the future.

 

15^th Dec, 2023: In a significant initiative for the growth of Bhutan’s apiculture sector, two technical staff members from the National Livestock Research Centre (NLRC) in Bumthang, along with two progressive beekeepers from Haa and Bumthang, recently completed a four-day training program on managed beekeeping in Nepal from December 11th to 14th, 2023.

Facilitated in Ramnagar, Bharatpur, Nepal, the training, organized by Gor Honey & Natural Food Products and Gorkha Bee Private Limited, focused on building technical expertise in honey product processing, packaging, branding, and effective promotion and marketing strategies. The participants engaged in a comprehensive learning experience, which included classroom teachings, practical demonstrations, and insightful field visits.

Following the training, the participants are set to implement the acquired knowledge through a strategic action plan, encompassing:

• Sharing learned experiences on beekeeping management and practices, including the integration of new technologies.
• Crafting a comprehensive strategy and plan for product processing, packaging, branding, and the promotion and marketing of honey products.
• Executing product processing, packaging, and branding initiatives to elevate the value of honey products within the country.

This transformative training program was made possible through the generous support and funding provided by the JSB-UNDP Project IV in Thimphu, further emphasizing the collaborative efforts aimed at advancing the apiculture sector in Bhutan.