PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shah Farman on Monday planted saplings of Sidr (Ber) to formally launch the Ber plantation initiative.
Talking to the locals on the occasion, the Governor said that the potential of Sidr(Ber) honey is a great blessing for this province. He said that large scale barren land at southern districts is suitable for Sidr(Ber) cultivation and for this purpose all resources would be provided to the local landowners for the production of Sidr(Ber) honey.
He also distributed beekeeping tool kits among farmers and representatives of BeeKeepers Association.
The Governor said that KP has huge potential for production of Sidr Honey which is considered one of the best and most favourite honey in the entire world due to its good taste and the quality to remain liquid even in minus temperature.
He said that in collaboration with Agriculture and Forest Departments they are too much serious to make this initiative successful because this initiative will capable us to generate a revenue of approximately Rs.10 billion annually.
On this occasion, the Agriculture Department informed the Governor in a briefing that Karak, Kohat, Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan are suitable for the production of Sidr honey.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has the capacity to produce more than 30,000 metric tons of standard honey and Karak has the capacity to produce 3,000 metric tons of Sidr honey.
The Governor was informed that Rs.200 million have been approved in ADP scheme for the honey production initiative in the province and an accredited honey quality testing lab would also be established in the province.
Besides, the MNA Shahid Khattak, Commissioner Kohat Division Javed Iqbal Marwat, Secretary Agriculture Muhammad Israr, local farmers and bee keepers were also present on the occasion.
