SRINAGAR: The seven-day 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 of Agriculture highlighted the importance of small-scale agri-cottage industries including beekeeping, Mushroom cultivation, and other allied activities in the overall development of the agriculture sector.
He said the main aim of organizing such training programmes is to promote entrepreneurial culture among the farmers and educated youth of the region and such programmes will be continued in the coming days.
Iqbal said that agriculture diversification is the key to reducing risk in farming activities and hence beekeeping has emerged as one of the important tools that not only enhances the agricultural income of the farming community but also secures it against changes in climate and soil resources.
The Director of 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.
The Director said that beekeeping is an off-farm activity and has a potential for employment generation due to wide agro-climatic diversity enabling around-the-year bee flora availability.
Later, certificates of appreciation were given to the participants for good performance during the training programme.
