Seven days Divisional level training programme on “Scientific Beekeeping” under NBHM w.e.f 11-09-2023 to 17-09-2023 organized by Apiculture Development Scheme concluded at Kissan Kendra, Jammu, here today. Director Agriculture Jammu, K. K. Sharma said that Department is making all out efforts to strengthen the apiculture sector adding that Bees and other pollinators are crucial for the health of ecosystem and food security as they help maintain biodiversity and ensure production of healthy food crops.
The Director further said that Jammu region possesses huge potential for development of Bee Keeping on commercial scale as additional source of income for the farming community. Concluding session was presided over by Joint Director Extension, R. K. Hataishi who handed over the certificates to 38 trainees from Jammu and Samba. It was informed that five similar programmes will be held in near future.
Technical session was conducted by experts including Dr. Ashwini Sharma, Liaison Officer Mushroom & Apiculture Jammu, A.K Malhotra, (former Director Agriculture), Arun Makhnotra (Former. Deputy Director), Dr. D. P Abrol (Retd. Dean SKUAST-J), Bhupinder Gupta (Asstt. Entomologist Jammu) Raj Kumar, ADA, Jammu, Dr. Vishal Raina, Dr. Davinder Kumar (AP SKUAST-J).
During the programme different topics covered including Seasonal Management, Disease Management & Marketing linkage of Bee products. Participants also visited the Apiary at Krishi Bhawan and SKUAST-J for practical knowhow.
The trainees were also apprised about the Departmental schemes and other benefits for their overall development with special emphasis to make them entrepreneurs.