A five-day ‘Honey Fair’ has begun in the capital. Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) has organized this fair for the first time to promote beekeeping and highlight the benefits and importance of honey among the public.
This Sunday morning, the fair was inaugurated by Public Administration Ministry Secretary Md. Mokhles Ur Rahman at BSCIC’s head office in Tejgaon, the capital. Industries Secretary Md. Obaidur Rahman was present at the time. BSCIC Chairman Md. Saiful Islam presided over the program.
The honey fair has 30 stalls of beekeepers from different parts of the country. The five-day fair will continue till September 4. The fair will be open to everyone from 10 am to 8 pm every day.
According to BSCIC, the country currently produces 7,546 tons of honey every year. Honey is produced naturally and scientifically through beekeeping in various regions including Sundarbans, Madhupur Garh, Sherpur, Tangail, Dinajpur. Honey has been used as a food and medicinal ingredient for humans since ancient times. However, honey production and sale have also increased commercially for several years.
After the inauguration of the fair, a seminar titled ‘BSCIC’s activities and future steps for the development of beekeeping in Bangladesh’ was held. Speaking as the chief guest, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Md. Mokhles Ur Rahman said, ‘We hear the names of various fairs from time to time, which are organized in villages or other places. However, the concept of honey fair is completely new.’
In the program, Industries Secretary Obaidur Rahman said, ‘We need to develop the habit of eating natural honey as an alternative to sugar. We need to take a strict stand against adulterated honey and honey traders mixed with sugar.’
Professor Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain of the Department of Entomology of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University presented the main article at the program. He said, honey has now become a promising industry due to the use of beehives, training of entrepreneurs and government support. This sector can contribute to the country’s economy by meeting nutritional needs, creating employment, increasing agricultural production and earning foreign exchange.
Several beekeepers and businessmen were present at the event. Md. Al Amin, founder of Nataro, an entrepreneurial organization for honey farming, said that appropriate remuneration should be fixed to maintain the quality of honey and improve the lives of beekeepers.
On behalf of beekeepers, Afzal Hossain said that the use of food grade containers should be made mandatory for the development of honey. In addition, action should be taken against adulterated honey sellers. He also demanded that low-interest loans be arranged to help beekeepers.
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