A two-day Seminar on Scientific Beekeeping, organized by the Apiculture Development Scheme, Department of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Jammu, commenced today here at Baba Jitto Kisan Kendra.
The seminar is being held under the auspices of the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) and aims to raise awareness about the benefits of beekeeping among beekeepers, farmers, unemployed youth, women, and entrepreneurs from 10 districts of the Jammu division.
The inaugural session was attended by Director Agriculture Jammu S. Arvinder Singh Reen as the Chief Guest. In his address, the Director Agriculture highlighted the crucial role of beekeeping in generating sustainable income and employment opportunities, especially for the youth of the region.
He emphasized the immense potential of Jammu & Kashmir in beekeeping, given its diverse agro-climatic conditions, rich biodiversity, and the growing demand for honey due to its medicinal and nutritional properties.
Director A.S Reen further highlighted that the Department of Agriculture is providing an 80% subsidy for the establishment of One Unit comprising 35 bee colonies, worth Rs. 1,40,000. He also assured the beekeepers that the department would offer technical and financial assistance, particularly to support the migration of bee colonies and to optimize honey production.
Additionally, he highlighted the economic potential of other hive products such as royal jelly, bee venom, propolis, and pollen, which can become valuable sources of income. Joint Director Extension Satish Sharma also spoke at the seminar and underscored the significance of beekeeping as a source of livelihood for women farmers.
He suggested that women self-help groups could explore beekeeping as a profitable venture for income generation. The seminar also featured an informative presentation by Assistant Entomologist, Rajesh Verma, who elaborated on the role of beekeeping in income generation, entrepreneurship, advanced beekeeping practices, and the status of beekeeping in Jammu.
Expert lectures were delivered by Prof. Devinder Sharma from SKUAST-J, Deepak Singh, Training Officer FTC Jammu, and S. Om Singh, Farm Management Specialist FTC Jammu, covering critical topics such as the impact of pesticides on honey bees and various tools, implementation and techniques used in apiculture.
The inaugural session was attended by several distinguished officers and experts, including Satish Sharma, Joint Director (Extension/SLUB), Alok Pandotra, Deputy Director Trainings (J), Dr. Aman Jyoti Sharma, Agriculture Chemist, and Prof. Devinder Sharma from SKUAST-J. The officers and staff of the Apiculture Development Scheme, Directorate of Agriculture Jammu, conducted the proceedings of the program.
The seminar will continue through tomorrow, providing participants with valuable insights and hands-on training in scientific beekeeping practices, which hold great promise for enhancing agricultural productivity and income generation in the region.