The World Bee Day was celebrated today at Mini Secretariat Shopian by the Department of Agriculture.The function was presided over by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Shopian, Mushtaq Ahmad Simnani.Speaking on the occasion, the ADC said that the day is being celebrated every year on May 20 across the world. He said that the day aims to recognise the importance of bees and other pollinators in the ecosystem and it is observed mainly to raise public awareness about the importance of bees in maintaining biodiversity.The ADc said that the day also provides an opportunity to organisations, civil society, and concerned citizenry worldwide to promote actions that will protect and improve pollinators and their habitats, increase their population and support the long-term development of beekeeping.He further added that Bees play a major role in maintaining a balance between humans, plants, animals and the environment.
He said that without bees, food would be scarce and a vast portion of the population would suffer from starvation.While elaborating the role of pollinators, he further said that World Bee Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the threats faced by bees as a result of human activity.ADC stated that the need of the hour is to make awareness among the general masses especially youth about the benefits of honey, the perfect diet for human beings so that more and more youth come forward and establish Bee Keeping Units to earn sustainable livelihood.Earlier, the Chief Agriculture Officer briefed the Chair about various benefits and other facilities that the Department of Agriculture provides to those people who establish Bee Keeping Units in their respective areas for income generation.Among others, Chief Agriculture Officer, Shopian, Chief Horticulture Officer, Officers of KVIB, KVIC, Assistant Director, Planning and other officers of the department besides Bee Keepers of the district were present.