The Bokaro district administration has unveiled an ambitious plan to create a distinctive 'Bokaro Brand' for honey produced by local beekeepers. This initiative aims to significantly boost farmers' incomes while strengthening the district's agricultural reputation.
Focus on Branding and Market Access
District officials explained that the program centers on three key areas: effective branding, improved market access, and sustainable rural livelihood generation. By establishing a recognizable brand, they hope to command better prices for the pure honey produced in Bokaro.
Training and Expansion of Beekeeping
Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha revealed that approximately 150 farmers have already received comprehensive training in bee farming techniques. These farmers are now actively establishing their own apiaries across the district.
"We have directed concerned officials to train additional farmers for large-scale beekeeping operations," Jha stated. "All honey produced through these efforts will carry the proposed Bokaro Brand label when it reaches consumers."
Review Meeting Decisions
The directive came during a detailed review meeting of agriculture and allied departments held at the collectorate on Friday. Deputy Development Commissioner Shatabdi Majumdar, Additional Collector Md Mumtaz Ansari, and other key officials participated in the discussions.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized proactive measures to ensure timely delivery of benefits to farming communities. He stressed that branding locally produced pure honey would serve dual purposes.
"This initiative will help enhance farmers' incomes while positioning Bokaro as a hub of agriculture-based innovation," Jha explained.
Broader Agricultural Development
District Agriculture Officer Mohammad Sahid clarified that beekeeping represents just one component of the comprehensive Samekit Birsa Vikas Gram-cum-Krihak Pathsala project launched earlier. The Deputy Commissioner instructed officials to focus on all project elements equally.
Officials received directions to create awareness among farmers about diverse agricultural opportunities including dairy farming, animal husbandry, fisheries development, horticulture, and related sectors.
Additional Agricultural Initiatives
The review meeting yielded several other important decisions for agricultural development in Bokaro district:
- Establishment of a mushroom production unit at Navadih Krishak Pathshala
- Promotion of millets through a dedicated cafeteria under the Millet Mission
- Development of clusters for solar-powered irrigation pumps
- Identification of suitable land for warehouse construction under the cooperation department
These complementary initiatives demonstrate the district administration's holistic approach to rural development and agricultural modernization.
