KATHMANDU, July 12: Different beekeeping farmers and traders have boycotted the 2nd National Honey Fair that started in Kathmandu on Monday.

Issuing a joint statement, the Federation of Nepali Beekeepers, Nepal Beekeeping Central Cooperative Union and Central Honey Entrepreneurs' Association of Nepal, said that the government has failed to ensure inclusiveness of farmers and traders involved in beekeeping and honey production. "Monsoon is the peak season for farmers and the stakeholders were invited in the fair only three days prior to the event," the statement stated, adding: "It is hard for farmers to manage and prepare for the fair in such a short notice."

The statement further added that the decision to organize the fair without ensuring involvement of key stakeholders is simply a tactic to waste budget at the end of the fiscal year.

The four-day fair is being organized by the Directorate of Industrial Entomology Development (DoIED) under the Ministry of Agricultural Development at the Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition Hall.

 
• farmers
 
• traders
 
• boycott
 
• honey
 
• fair