 Early Times Report
JAMMU, May 20: The Department of Agriculture, Jammu, today celebrated World Bee Day with great fervour and commitment across the Jammu Division. The central event was organized at the Directorate of Agriculture, Krishi Bhawan, Talab Tillo, Jammu, under the global theme "Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all." The celebration highlighted the indispensable role of bees and other pollinators in sustaining ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and ensuring food security. The event was presided over by Sh. Arvinder Singh Reen, Director Agriculture, Jammu, and was graced by key officials including Satish Sharma, Joint Director Agriculture (Extension), Dr. Ashwani Kumar, Joint Director Agriculture (Inputs), and S. Sohan Singh, Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB).
The proceedings began with a welcome address by Sh. Rajesh Verma, Assistant Entomologist, Apiculture Development Scheme, Jammu. He provided an insightful overview of World Bee Day, emphasizing its importance in educating the participants about the vital role bees play in ecological balance and agricultural productivity.
Speaking on the occasion, Director Agriculture, Arvinder Singh Reen, emphasized the ecological and economic significance of bees. He said, "Bees are not just pollinators; they are vital contributors to our food systems and biodiversity. Jammu has immense potential for commercial beekeeping, which can serve as a sustainable income source for our farming community." He also highlighted initiatives like honey testing labs, diagnostic centres, and processing units set up in Jammu to enhance quality production and provide support to beekeepers. He emphasized the importance of sustainable and scientific approaches in apiculture and reaffirmed the department's commitment to strengthening the sector by promoting scientific beekeeping practices and supporting beekeepers through dedicated training programs, improved infrastructure, and robust market linkages.
Director A.S Reen urged the public and farmers to engage in pollinator-friendly practices such as planting native flowering plants, minimizing pesticide use, supporting local honey producers, and spreading awareness about bee conservation. He added, "Beekeeping is more than a livelihood-it's a vital ecological link. I commend the youth and women entrepreneurs who are energizing this sector with innovation and inclusivity."
Several progressive farmers and beekeepers shared their experiences, including Babli Devi, Neelam Devi from Samba, Jeffi Kumari, Rajinder Baru, and young entrepreneur Vasu Sharma, who spoke about his journey in organic honey production.
The event also witnessed participation from senior officials including Sanjeev Rai Gupta Deputy Director (Central), Priyanka Parihar Deputy Director (Plannings) Jammu, Vikas Padha Agronomist (VIS) Jammu, Karuna Nidhi Deputy Director (Trainings), Madan Lal SMS RL, Dharmesh Vaid SMS RL, Sanjay Anand SMS RL, Manohar Lal Sharma Chief Agriculture Officer Jammu, Nirmal Parkash DSCO Jammu, Rakesh Sharma DSSO Jammu, Raju Mahajan PPO Jammu, Vinod Sharma Agriculture Chemist Jammu, Raghubhir Singh Kochar MDO Jammu, Farmers, Beekeepers, Sectoral Heads, Section Officers, and other staff members among others. The programme was hosted by the Apiculture Development Scheme, Jammu and was seamlessly coordinated by Veena Wazir, AEA, who conducted the proceedings. |
