Myanmar (Burma) : Mashav (Israel) establishes a beekeeping resource center for 2,000 farmers

A unique Beekeeping Resource Center has been recently established in Myanmar (Burma) within the framework of Tag’s ongoing beekeeping project implemented in cooperation with MASHAV. Tag is an international development charity that deploys unique humanitarian expertise and proven social models to create sustainable solutions for developing countries.

The goal of the beekeeping project is to empower and improve the livelihoods, nutrition and food security for thousands of vulnerable people in Myanmar’s Southern Shan region by introducing advanced beekeeping training and equipment while strengthening the capacity of local organizations to bring the honey and by-products to local and international markets. Over 2,000 farmers have taken part in pollination and beekeeping training within the framework of Tag’s Plan Bee project, and more than 100,000 additional people have directly benefited from the project’s activities. The project was funded by the Livelihoods and Food Security Trust (LIFT), a UNOPS affiliate, and is delivered by Tag in close partnership with MASHAV and the Israeli Embassy in Myanmar.

The new Beekeeping Resource Center, a social enterprise managed by the community, will serve as both an education center and a tourist destination. It was inaugurated on September 4th, in Shan State by Israel’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Danny Zonshine, together with Tag Chief Executive, Rabbi Yossi Ives, and Myanmar’s Deputy Director General for Livestock and Fisheries, Aung Zaw Htwe. The next goal is to expand the project’s activities across the country and to establish microenterprises that specifically benefit women.

Israel-Burma cooperation in agriculture

Some 300 people, including officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and students from the Yezin University of Agriculture participated in the event, part of the Myanmar-Israel Educational and Cultural Program taking place this week.

On August 18, 2015, an event devoted to Myanmar-Israel cooperation in agriculture took place at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation in Nay Pyi Taw. The event is part of the Myanmar-Israel Educational and Cultural Program taking place this week.

​The event was attended by Union Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Myint Hlaing and Israel Ambassador Daniel Zonshine. A lecture on “Agricultural Research and Technology in Israel” was delivered by Israeli expert Dr. Nir Atzmon, followed by a concert performed by the talented Israeli musician Tal Kravitz together with students.

Some 300 people, including officials from the Ministry of Agriculture together with students from the Yezin University of Agriculture and State Agriculture Institution participated in the event. Two photo exhibitions, “Archaeology from the Air” and “Agriculture in Israel” were also exhibited, in order to share the culture and innovative agricultural knowledge of the State of Israel.