PAU organises beekeeping conclave

Ludhiana, June 1, 2022: A Beekeeping Conclave was organised at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today as a part of the celebration of the World Honey Bee Day (May 20). With special emphasis on the “Conservation and Safety of Bees: The Need for Agri-Prosperity” and “Let’s Protect Bees from Pesticidal Poisoning,” the conclave was jointly organised by the PAU and the Progressive Beekeepers Association. Officers from the State Department of Horticulture, beekeepers from various parts of Punjab, and senior officials and faculty of PAU participated in the programme.

Shailender Kaur, Director of Horticulture, Punjab, who was the chief guest, underlined the need for maintaining the quality of honey and saying no to adulteration. She also emphasised on diversifying the beekeeping to meet the present-day requirements of the consumers and called upon the beekeepers to work in association with each other for profitability.

The guest of honour Kaustubh Sharma, Police Commissioner of Ludhiana, shared his experience of beekeeping and stressed upon preserving the colonies from predators. “Beekeeping is a field which has to be taken care of technically,” he added.

Dr AS Dhatt, Director of Research, who was also the guest of honour, said that PAU was a pioneer in the successful introduction, multiplication and release of the Italian honey bee, Apis Mellisfera. The University has made a commendable contribution by bringing in Apiculture Revolution in 1976 and has also been a front-runner in standardizing beekeeping technologies and in dissemination of apicultural knowledge and technologies to the State Agricultural Universities/ICAR institutes, he added. As a result, Punjab is producing 17,000 metric tonnes of honey of the country, he disclosed.

Another guest of honour Dr GS Buttar, Additional Director of Extension Education, said that specialized trainings imparted by the University have enabled the Punjab state to emerge as a hub of beekeeping in India. Apiculture has turned the fortunes of the small and marginal farmers, and the rural women and youths by supplementing their income and raising their standards, he added.

Dr PK Chhuneja, Professor of Entomology, PAU, paid rich tributes to Apiculture stalwarts Dr AS Atwal, Dr NP Goel and Dr Bakh Singh Sohi for making remarkable contribution to the beekeeping development in Punjab and India. Dr Chhuneja stressed upon the conservation of honey bees for the production of nectar, honey, propolis, royal jelly, etc. which are essential for the healthy life. Advocating diversification in beekeeping, he said that beekeeping was a lucrative enterprise as it helped in sustaining the livelihood of the rural populace and entrepreneurs as well as keeping the environment clean and green. He also delved upon future prospects of beekeeping.

Dr Ramandeep Singh Jassal, Professor-cum-Director, School of Business Studies, provided tips for the marketing and maintenance of quality of honey and its products.

Ramandeep Singh, Deputy General Manager, MARKFED, Punjab, spoke on MARKFED and honey supply chain.

During the technical session, Dr Jaspal Singh, Principal Entomologist, dwelled upon honeybee stock improvement to increase colony productivity; Dr Amit Chaudhary, Entomologist, explained identification and management of bee diseases; and Jagdeep Singh, Nodal Officer, Beekeeping, Punjab, informed about schemes and madhu kranti portal of Horticulture Department, Punjab.

Dr Kuldeep Singh, Associate Director (Skill Development), while coordinating the programme, urged the beekeepers to remain in contact with PAU experts for timely technical guidance regarding beekeeping.

Jatinder Singh Sohi, President, Progressive Beekeepers Association (PBKA), welcomed the dignitaries and the participants, while Mr Narpinder Singh, Advisor, PBKA, proposed a vote of thanks.

Stalls, showcasing honey and honey based products, were put up by the beekeepers on the occasion. Dr Jaswinder Bhalla, Brand Ambassador of PAU, also graced the occasion.

Eom