SRINAGAR: A two-day seminar focusing on “Scientific Beekeeping” commenced on Tuesday at Kashmir Haat, organized by the Agriculture Production and Farmers’ Welfare Department of Kashmir. Sponsored by the National Bee Board under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), the event aims to foster innovation and promote best practices in apiculture.
Inaugurated by Director Agriculture Kashmir, Mohammad Ilyas Khateeb, the seminar has drawn a diverse audience including beekeepers, farmers, stakeholders, students, and unemployed youth, all eager to learn about the latest trends and technologies in beekeeping.
In his address, Khateeb emphasized the importance of beekeeping as a means to enhance farm productivity and sustain rural livelihoods. He described the practice as a promising agri-allied activity, noting its capacity to generate economic opportunities and employment under the Honey and Agri-Development Program (HADP).
“Beekeeping holds the potential to significantly elevate economic sustenance in our region,” Khateeb stated, adding that farmers would benefit from financial incentives, including an 80% subsidy on beekeeping units aimed at bolstering the sector.
The seminar’s agenda includes training sessions scheduled for tomorrow, which will cover critical topics such as colony management, honey harvesting, and disease prevention techniques tailored for participants.
Deputy Director Agriculture Central Waheed-U-Rehmaan, Chief Agriculture Officer Srinagar Manohar Lal Sharma, and other officials attended the opening day of this significant event, highlighting the government’s commitment to support the beekeeping sector in Kashmir.