BEEKEEPING INCOME-GENERATING AND LOW- COST SPHERE

The unique nature of Tajikistan is suitable for the development of beekeeping sphere; in this regard, the people are making this sphere as their main engagement from year to year. According to scientists, bees in agriculture promote pollination of plants and increase the productivity of orchards and plants by 25 - 30 %.

The basis of beekeeping, which is one of the most important and profitable sectors of the economy, is its breeding and keeping in appropriate places. The Government of the country is taking necessary measures for the development of the sector.

Experience has shown that beekeeping is a lucrative and low - cost sector. Its products enrich the human body with enzymes, vitamins and essential oils as a healing and high-calorie food. According to the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On beekeeping”, all interested persons, legal entities, as well as organizations and enterprises have the opportunity to be engaged in beekeeping.

Under the «Livestock and Pasture Development Project – II» 36 Women Income-Generating Groups involved in beekeeping in the targeted villages have been provided with beehives, sugar also necessary equipment for keeping and processing of honey bee products. Distribution by districts was as following: Kulob – 500 beehives, Vose – 760 beehives, Farkhor – 540 beehives, Mir Said Ali Hamadoni – 300 beehives and Dangara – 850 beehives. The Women Income - Generating Groups made the beekeeping activity as their favorite occupation and are taking care of it. The provided bee breed is “Carpathian” because the number of eggs of this breed is higher than other breeds and their productivity is very high.

During the meeting, a group of women beekeepers of the Project expressed their sincere gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the International Fund for Agricultural Development for their support.

The purpose of the “Livestock and Pasture Development Project – II” is to make a significant contribution to ensuring the country's food security and increasing the income of more than 38 000 poor households in the targeted districts.

Karomatullo ATO,

National Public Relations Consultant