CHANDIGARH, APRIL 6: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has ordered all the Deputy Commissioners to allow the movement and migration of bee colonies, honey and other beehive products to/from other districts and states amid curfew/lockdown due to COVID-19.
This is in line with the advisory issued to state on March 28 by the National Bee Board. Notably, Punjab contributes over 50 percent of honey export from the country.
Expressing concern over the plight of honey bees and silk worms, which are living creatures and need constant care, Captain Amarinder has ordered immediate steps for their protection, and to save the beekeeping trade.
Captain Amarinder Singh, who also holds the portfolio of Agriculture, had directed Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Viswajeet Khanna to issue an advisory in this regard to mitigate the hardships being faced by the bee-keepers across the state in these trying circumstances.
According to the advisory issued by ACS Development, all the Deputy Commissioners shall ensure the necessary steps to allow migration of bee colonies, honey and other beehive products to/from other districts and states to help the beekeepers and beekeeping etc during COVID-19 restrictions.
The Advisory further states that necessary restrictions relating to the health protocols, including social distancing, use of masks, hand wash etc., should be maintained meticulously and regular compliance reports should be submitted in this regard.
The ACS Development also directed the Deputy/Assistant Directors Horticulture to assist the Deputy Commissioners in ensuring hassle-free movement and migration of bee-colonies etc.
