Srinagar: A five-day training programme on beekeeping under the Project “Developing Beekeeping as Livelihood in Tribal Community” at Chate Banday Village of Bandipora sponsored by Department of Tribal Affairs (Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir) was inaugurated at Research and Training Centre for Pollinators, Pollinizers and Pollination Management (RTCPPPM), Division of Entomology, SKUAST-K, Shalimar on Thursday for unemployed tribal youth of the village.

Prof. Shabir A Wani, Dean, FoH, SKUAST K Shalimar who was the Chief Guest of the occasion in his inaugural address he emphasized the importance of honey bees as a boost to income and maintenance of the biodiversity of the ecosystem. Prof. Naseer Ahmad Dar (Associate Director Research), SKUAST-K, Shalimar in his opening remarks urged the participants to get fully acquainted with the training so that they will act as professional beekeepers in future and also pollination service providers to the farming community of Kashmir Valley.

Prof. M A Paray, Head, Division of Entomology in his address speech elaborated upon the challenges and opportunities in beekeeping sector and desired that the Scientific Beekeeping for unemployed Educated Tribal Youth needs to be prioritized.

The welcome address was presented by Dr. Parveena Bano (Principal Investigator) and Vote of Thanks was presented by Dr. Rizwana Khurshid (Assistant Professor, RTCPPPM) who thanked the dignitaries present on the dais and especially the trainees. She also thanked the Department of Tribal Affairs (Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir) for funding the project. Other Scientist present on the occasion was Dr. Sajad A Ganie (Assistant Prof.) and non-teaching staff of the Pollination Centre.

KR Desk