PARC and TIKA kicked off inauguration of Honey Bee Research Lab at HBRI-NARC

 

ISLAMABAD, FEB 18: Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) a delegation led by Ihsan Yardukul, Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan along-with GokhanUmut TIKA Head visited Honey Bee Research Institute (HBRI) NARC on Wednesday to kick off the inauguration ceremony of TIKA-PARC project titled as “TIKA Honey bee research lab and domestication of modern Turkish beehive in Pakistan” which is a significant collaboration between Pakistani and Turkish government to equip Pakistani beekeepers with Turkish modern Beekeeping technology.

The Turkish delegation was warmly received by Dr. Azeem Khan, Chairman PARC and Dr. Rashid Mehmood, Director HBRI-NARC while Dr. Khalid Rafique Scientific Officer / Project Incharge of TIKA-PARC project with other high officials was also there.

P.I. Dr. Khalid Rafique gave a brief overview of the said project. The main objectives of the project are, to establish advance Honeybee Queen Research Lab with molecular level research facilities at HBRI & Domestication and Adaptation of Turkish model bee hive in Pakistan for higher honey production and colony productivity. TIKA will provide all kind of financial assistance for establishing this lab.

Chairman PARC looks forward to the next level partnership with TIKA in which processing, certification and export of Pakistani Honey will be the prime focus. He says this lab research work will help in improving the standards of quality queen bees in Pakistan for higher honey production.

Under the LOI agreement between PARC and TIKA that was took place last year, TIKA will be responsible for up-gradation and renovation of the advanced queen bee research lab at HBRI, NARC.

Furthermore, 50 Turkish Model Bee hive Apismellifera L. bees will be provided for research purposes and demonstration to beekeepers. Chairman indicated the role of PARC is to provide technical handling of the Project which includes training of beekeepers regarding queen production and domestication and demonstration of results of Turkish bee hive to beekeeping community of Pakistan for its adaptation.

While showing keen interest in the project Mr. Gokhan says “In time to come, this cooperation with PARC will be continued and expanded to the comprehensive training program of Pakistani beekeepers”.

After the inauguration, delegates also visit various research institutes of PARC and showed a great interest in angora rabittry, tilapia fish hatchery, exotic citrus / lime varieties, local cow/buffalo breeds and poultry bird species. 

They also observed and appreciated the activities of Animal Sciences Institute, PATCO-PARC and Horticulture Research Institute.

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