PULWAMA, AUGUST 02: The CSIR Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, concluded a five day training programme on scientific beekeeping under the CSIR Floriculture Mission at its Field Station, Bonera Pulwama. The training was aimed at imparting entrepreneurial skill and capacity building of aspiring apiarists through scientific and practical knowledge in commercial apiculture.
Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR IIIM while informing about the programme emphasized on the Institute’s efforts to promote the economically profitable and scalable rural bio-entrepreneurship in Jammu and Kashmir. “Beekeeping present a viable opportunity, particularly for marginal farmers and women led self help groups. This initiative will bridge the knowledge gap in traditional sectors by integrating science driven training programmes,” he stated. Such efforts align with our broader goal for fostering self relient and economically empowered rural communities. A total of 25 selected participants from various districts across Jammu and Kashmir participated in the training, he added.
Dr Shahid Rasool, Nodal Scientist CSIR Floriculture Mission informed that the Institute strives for the development of the apiculture sector in the region with imparting the specialized skill to apiarists covering comprehensive modules including basics of scientific beekeeping, seasonal management of bee colonies, queen rearing and colony division, winter management strategies, extraction and post harvest handling of honey, identification, control of bee pests and diseases, branding and marketing strategies. The training also included live demonstrations, hands-on techniques, and interaction with apiculture experts to provide participants with a real time understanding of bee-hive operations and challenges. Traditional beekeeping practices often face limitations in colony health and honey yield. Scientific beekeeping, when properly adopted, ensures better pollination services, increased honey quality, and opens up possibilities for producing high quality honey. Our aim is to transform beekeeping into a viable micro-enterprise supported by science.” he added.