The apiary of largest presidential edifice in the world — Rashtrapati Bhawan — has now started giving the yields. A new era begun in the nectar-producing gardens of presidential edifice, having abundant flora and fauna, including lush trees of mangoes, Indian blackberries, neem and drumsticks, when more than 186 kilograms of honey was extracted in the presence of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena and Secretary to the President Sanjay Kothari.
Earlier, the frames of bee-boxes were removed in the presence of the dignitaries and honey was extracted before them in stainless steel containers. later, it was packed in bottles displaying the name of Rashrapati Bhawan. The dignitaries also tasted the extracted honey as well as lemonade made out of it.
Kothari said that it was a commendable job by the KVIC as it not only launched an apiculture training course for the 50 gardeners of Rashtrapati Bhawan premises in which the gardeners were also apprised of the comprehensive scope and significance of apiculture, important considerations and tips to care and maintain the apiaries and value of beekeeping in maintaining the flora and fauna. Along with this, it also installed many bee-boxes in different phases in the Rashtrapati Bhawan premises having large greeneries. “This initiative will certainly increase the yield of horticulture and floriculture in and around the President Estate,” he said, adding, “We have plans to use this honey and related products as gift items for the foreign dignitaries, visiting Rashtrapati Bhawan.”
KVIC Chairman, Saxena said that the beekeeping program would be a bonanza for the 16,000 flowers and plants in the Rashtrapati Bhawan premises, which remained untapped for ages. “As this area has abundant trees, suitable for pollination, it will massively increase the yield of the crops in the neighbouring areas. As honey has rich minerals and proteins along with best quality of antioxidants, there is a need for people to adopt cultivation of honey as their hobby in their farmhouses and bungalows,” he said, adding, “And, what else could be a prouder moment that first yield of Prime Minister’s ‘Sweet Revolution’ in Delhi and NCR is being extracted from the house of First Citizen of the Nation.”