By DR.

JAMES TEW Woosler, Ohio THE BURMESE BEEKEEPING PROJECT AT THE AGRICULTURAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE THE AGRICULTURAL Technical Institure has recently had the priviledge of working with the Government of Burma and the U.S. Department of State. A six month instructional program was initialed in March, 1980, that was designed to instruct Burman students in fundamental and advanced aspects of Apiculture. The 'basic instructional program consists of classwork, practical applications and tours of selected bee operations in the midweslern and southern parts of the U.S. The Burmese government is actively attempting to develop the nation's natural resources in many respects; one of which is beekeeping.

"Burma's basic reason for training beekeepers..."

the early 1970's, the Burmese Government has been engaged in efforts to supress illicit drug traffic in its portion of the "triangle". Under the terms of a 1974 agreement, the United States has provided the Burmese Government over $30 million in anti-narcotics equipment (primarily helicopters and fixed-winged aircraft). Because much of the "Golden Triangle" opium is smuggled into the United States as heroin, Burmese use of this equipment in narcotics suppression is of direct benefit to the United States. Surprisingly, the opium poppy producer is not really very well paid for his efforts. The per capita income of Burma is $100.00. If a producer could be given any other means of earning a livelihood, poppy production would decline. This is Burma's basic reason for training beekeepers along with many other educational programs presently underway. gram is unique in the United States, several Burman dignitaries visited the Wooster campus during June 1980. They were accompanied by Mr. George Sherry, Deputy Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy, Rangoon, and Mr. John Lyle, United States Department of State. U Ohn Kyi, Deputy Minister of Home and Religious Affairs, is the highest Burmese official ever received by the United States. The Burman students, under the watchful eye of three different television cameras, as well as reporters, "worked" bees for the Burma guests. Other beekeeping tours and demonstrations were also conducted.

The entire visit was a rewarding experience for the bee program. The Burmese student program has gone very Burma is part of the Golden Triangle, well at ATI. It is hoped that training (Burma, Thailand, and Laos). This is an received by the Burmese students w p ili play area that is considered to be a major proa part in the ultimate development of a ducer of opium which permeates many strong, productive beekeeping industry in nations including the United States. Since Since the beekeeping instructional pro- Burma.D Dr. James Tew talks with U Ohn Kyi, Deputy Minister of Home and Religious Affairs. (Burma)

AUGUST 1980 , ' - ;v ' '. '' -

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