Srinagar: The seven days divisional level training programme on scientific beekeeping under (NBHM) concluded at Agriculture Complex Lalmandi Srinagar.
The concluding session was presided over by Director Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhury Mohammad Iqbal and was attended by Joint Director Extension, Joint Director Inputs, Chief Agriculture Officer Srinagar, Assistant Entomologist Kashmir, students and a large number of beekeepers.
Addressing the session, the Director Agriculture highlighted the importance of small scale Agri- Cottage industries including beekeeping, Mushroom cultivation and other allied activities in the overall development of agriculture sector.
He said the main aim of organising such training programmes is to promote entrepreneurial culture among the farmers and educated youth of the region and such programmes will be continued in coming days.
Iqbal said the agriculture diversification is the key to reduce risk in farming activities and hence beekeeping has emerged as one of the important tools which not only enhances agricultural income of the farming community but also secures it against changes in climate and soil resources.
The Director Agriculture expressed satisfaction and said many people, mostly educated youth are able to earn their livelihood, because of honey bee colonies. With time, more and more young men and women are turning towards beekeeping. He said that beekeeping as an off- farm activity and has a potential of employment generation due to wide agro-climatic diversity enabling round the year bee flora availability.
Later, certificates of appreciation were given to the participants with good performance during the training programme.

KR Desk