 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Mar 13: The concluding ceremony of the seven-day training program on Scientific Beekeeping, organized by the Apiculture Development Scheme, Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Department Jammu, under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), took place today at the Conference Hall, Directorate of Agriculture, Krishi Bhawan Jammu. The event was attended by 50 beekeepers, farmers, and young entrepreneurs from Doda, Kishtwar, Jammu, Udhampur, Rajouri, Reasi, and Poonch districts of the Jammu Division.
The program, held from March 7 to March 13, 2025, aimed at raising awareness and enhancing the skills of prospective beekeepers. Participants were trained in bee hive operations, colony management, and received hands-on experience and practical insights at the DCTC, Apiculture Development Scheme Jammu.
The ceremony was presided over by Director Agriculture Jammu, Shri Arvinder Singh Reen, who personally felicitated the participants. Beekeepers were presented with tool kits, bee flora saplings, and certificates of participation, in recognition of their dedication to advancing scientific beekeeping practices.
In his address, Director Agriculture Shri Arvinder Singh Reen assured the beekeepers that the department would extend support in the marketing and branding of honey products. He encouraged the beekeepers to work together in clusters or form Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to strengthen the marketing and sales of honey. Additionally, he committed the department's technical and financial assistance to support the migration of bee colonies and optimize honey production. He emphasized the economic potential of hive products, such as royal jelly, bee venom, propolis, and pollen, which could provide valuable alternative sources of income for beekeepers.
Director A.S Reen also highlighted the immense potential for beekeeping in Jammu & Kashmir due to the region's diverse agro-climatic conditions, rich biodiversity, and the growing demand for honey, which is valued for its medicinal and nutritional benefits. He encouraged the unemployed youth to consider beekeeping as a profession and take advantage of the growing industry.
Furthermore, Director Agriculture 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 reiterated the department's commitment to offering technical and financial support to optimize honey production and facilitate colony migration.
The session also featured an interactive feedback segment, led by Assistant Entomologist Shri Rajesh Verma, where participants shared their positive experiences and expressed satisfaction with the quality and relevance of the training. Beekeepers praised the comprehensive lectures and hands-on training that equipped them with essential skills for enhancing their beekeeping practices.
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Deputy Director (Central) Jammu and Liaison Officer for the Apiculture Development Scheme, Dr. Ashwani Sharma, Divisional Soil Survey Officer Shri Suresh Kumar Khajuria, Agronomist (VIS) Jammu Shri Vikas Padha, Agriculture Chemist Dr. Aman Jyoti Sharma, Assistant Entomologist Shri Rajesh Verma, ASCO (I&P) Shri Rajinder Singh Salathia, and other officers and staff. The event was organized and conducted by the dedicated team of the Apiculture Development Scheme Jammu. |
