Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 12: Department of Agriculture, Jammu, hosted the inaugural Honey Festival today at Kissan Kendra, Talab Tillo. The event was inaugurated by Director Agriculture Jammu Arvinder Singh Reen and witnessed an overwhelming participation of over 400 beekeepers, farmers and entrepreneurs from Jammu and adjoining districts.
The festival showcased more than 20 stalls featuring an array of honey-based products, activities and sales. The initiative aimed to promote apiculture and provide a platform for stakeholders to connect, share knowledge and explore business opportunities.
The Director, in his inaugural address, said that the event is part of the Support to Agriculture Extension scheme, which focuses on enhancing the livelihood of farmers and beekeepers. He further added that the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), a Central Sector Scheme, also supports such initiatives to promote scientific beekeeping and achieve the goal of “Sweet Revolution.” He stressed for bee keeping on scientific lines to make it more prolific.
The Director further elaborated various projects and steps taken by the department to strengthen the sector. He added that more stress is being laid on capacity building of beekeepers especially youth and marketing of honey and its by-products. He informed the gathering that under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), bee colonies are provided to farmers with an 80% subsidy.
Rajesh Verma, Assistant Entomologist, highlighted the department’s commitment to advancing apiculture in Jammu. He noted that the Honey Festival successfully brought together beekeepers, providing them with a valuable opportunity to share insights, gain knowledge, and explore business opportunities to strengthen the apiculture industry in the region.
Technical session was conducted by experts including Prof. Devinder Sharma (SKUAST Jammu) and Dr. Deepak Singh, Training Officer. During the programme different topics covered included processing and value addition of honey, entrepreneurship development in beekeeping, bee colony management.
The trainees were also made aware about the departmental schemes and other benefits provided by the Agriculture Department. Progressive beekeepers, as well as representatives from NGOs, FPOs and farmers, shared their experiences and discussed the challenges faced by the sector. Several individuals and organizations were recognized and felicitated for their exemplary contributions to the field of apiculture.
The event was attended by several distinguished officials, including Sandesh Kumar Sharma, Managing Director JK Agro, Alok Pandotra, Deputy Director Trainings, Vikas Padha, Agronomist (VIS) Jammu and various sectoral officers. The Honey Festival was meticulously organized by the Team Apiculture Jammu, who ensured the success of the event.
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