New honeybee research lab in Islamabad creating a buzz
Modern beekeeping got a major boost recently with the opening of the state-of-the-art honeybee lab and research facility in Islamabad.
The bee research laboratory has been set up by Turkey’s state-run aid agency Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) at Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC).
The facility was inaugurated by PARC Chairman Dr. Muhammad Azeem Khan along with Turkish ambassador Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul and his wife. Turkish ambassador and PARC chairman signed the agreement for the opening of the center at the PARC headquarters.
The main aim of the project is to establish the advanced Honeybee Queen Research Lab with molecular level research facilities and domestication and adaptation of Turkish model beehive in Pakistan for higher honey production and colony productivity. TIKA will bear all the finances and funds involved in the project.
Nearly 50 Turkish-style bee hives were also donated for research, according to the official statement.
The project will help boost honey production and bee colony productivity in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Imran Khan recently launched the “billion tree honey” project aimed at improving the production of honey, generating extra income for the people while adding 87,000 green jobs to the economy.
Pakistan’s honey production drive intends to market 70,000 metric tons of honey to generate an income of around Rs43 billion and create around 87,000 green jobs.
There are about 10,000 Pakistani beekeepers who are using 300,000 colonies for producing 7,500 metric tons of honey annually.