Prayagraj: The two-day National Workshop-cum-Awareness Programme for Farmers on “Scientific Beekeeping for Sustainable Agriculture, Pollination Services and Farmers’ Income Enhancement” concluded successfully at the University Auditorium, Jacob Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering (JIBB), SHUATS, Prayagraj. The programme was organized by the Department of Biological Sciences in collaboration with KVK Prayagraj, with support from UPCAR, National Bee Board, ICAR-ATARI Kanpur Zone-III, IFFCO, CSTUP and NABARD.
On the first day, the inaugural session was attended by Pro Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Dr. Biswaroop Mehra, Pro Vice-Chancellor (PMD) Prof. Dr. Ritu Prakash Dubey, Director Administration Dr. Ramakant Dubey, and Dean JIBB Prof. (Ir.) Dr. Derrick Dennis. Expert sessions focused on honey quality, purity testing, scientific beekeeping, quality and flavoured honey, and income enhancement. KVK Prayagraj In-charge Mukesh Masih highlighted the importance of integrating beekeeping with traditional farming for additional income.
On the second day, the Third Technical Session featured Dr. Rudrapratap Singh, Associate Professor & Head, Department of Entomology, ANDUAT, Ayodhya, who spoke on entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities in beekeeping. Dr. Nitin Kumar Singh, CEO, Nitins Beej Innovation Centre, Barabanki, spoke on beekeeping as a sustainable agricultural enterprise, including honey production, value-added bee products and rural livelihoods.
In the Fourth Technical Session, Dr. Vinod Kumar Dubey, Assistant Professor & Entomologist, ANDUAT, Ayodhya, delivered a lecture on major pests and diseases of honeybees and their management. Nimit Singh, Founder, Madhumakhhiwala, Barabanki, shared practical insights on beekeeping and its income-generating potential.
The programme concluded with the Valedictory Session, in which Dr. Kamin Alexander, Convener and PI of the workshop, expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, all three Pro Vice-Chancellors, distinguished speakers, faculty members, farmers, students, researchers and all contributors for their support in making the programme successful. The workshop concluded with an emphasis on scientific beekeeping, entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, pollination services and enhancement of farmers’ income.
