August 20: Bees because of their size do not get the credit due to them for the many socio-economic and environment services provided by them. The Agriculture Minister Lyonpo Dr. Pema Gyamtsho was speaking at the opening of the 2nd International Beekeeping Congress in the capital yesterday.

He however added that Beekeeping is now being recognized as an important industry that can alleviate poverty and contribute to conservation of genetic resources.

Farmers from Samkhana village in Sarpang are among the 35 participants attending the 2nd International Beekeeping congress in Thimphu. They are members of the Samkahana Soepjam Gongphel Tshogpa started in April last year.

Taraman Tamang is one of the 35 members of the tshogpa. He said by attending the conference he hopes to gain knowledge that will help to make Bhutan a Honey land.

He said beekeeping can be a profitable business and help the poor people. But they do have some constraints.

Opening the three day congress, the Agriculture Minister Lyonpo Dr. Pema Gyamtsho said beekeeping can enhance the lives of many marginal and landless farmers.

Lyonpo said beekeeping also contributes to the two pillars of socio-economic development and environment conservation of the GNH through enhancement of income and through conservation of genetic resources. He however added that the economic benefits from commercial honey production in Bhutan remain to be exploited and realized fully.

Dr. V Sivaram, the Executive Secretary of Century Foundation in Banglore, India said Bhutan has a huge potential in Beekeeping. He said the country is blessed with a pristine environment and rich natural and diverse vegetation. He said it has all the five species of honey bee.

He said to reap the maximum benefit a beekeeping section should be created in the Ministry.

35 researchers and scientists from the US, Canada, Poland, Thailand, India and Bhutan are attending the congress.