Seminar in Kupwara Explores the Untapped Potential of Commercial Beekeeping

A two-day district-level seminar, delving into the 'Potential and Prospects of Commercial Beekeeping in District Kupwara,' kicked off under the auspices of the Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Department Kupwara. The event, inaugurated by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kupwara, Rouf ur Rahman, commenced its proceedings and is slated to conclude on February 7, 2024.

Over 200 participants, predominantly comprising farmers deeply engaged or interested in beekeeping, gathered for this insightful program. ADC Rouf ur Rahman emphasized the pivotal role of apiculture in creating employment opportunities within the district and pledged unwavering support for large-scale projects aimed at uplifting the local economy.

Gurdeep Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer Kupwara, took the stage during the inaugural address, providing a detailed panorama of beekeeping's scope and potential in Kupwara. Singh shed light on the various schemes offered by the UT government to support and encourage beekeepers in the region. Additionally, he highlighted the initiatives under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) in the Agriculture Sector, specifically outlining projects geared towards promoting beekeeping.

Mehboob Illahi Khan, Lead District Manager Kupwara, urged farmers to seize the opportunities presented by beekeeping and drew attention to the availability of financing facilities under several subsidized schemes. Noteworthy among the projects discussed were six initiatives under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), totaling Rs. 176 lac. These projects encompass Beekeeping Custom Hiring Centers, equipment manufacturing units, and honey processing units, demonstrating a concerted effort to fortify the apiculture sector.

A significant milestone was marked with the approval of a Project Proposal for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Apiculture in Handwara, with a project cost of Rs. 98 lac, by the UT level Committee. This approval holds the promise of expanding the Apiculture Sector in the district.

Resource persons addressing the gathering urged educated unemployed youth to explore the lucrative avenue of beekeeping, emphasizing its potential to contribute significantly to the district's economy. The natural resources, including forests, crops, and herbs in Kupwara, provide an ideal environment for agricultural activities, particularly beekeeping.

Farmers were strongly encouraged to maximize the benefits offered by the seminar by gaining insights into government schemes and receiving training for establishing income-generating units within the Apiculture sector.

The seminar also featured awareness sessions where participants were acquainted with the registration processes on the Madhukranti Portal and the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission. Notable attendees included Lead District Manager J&K Bank, Mehboob Illahi Khan, Scientist from KVK, Firdous Raina, and several other experts and progressive farmers.

The event serves as a crucial platform for fostering knowledge exchange, encouraging sustainable practices, and steering the apiculture sector towards a more prosperous future in Kupwara.

A two-day district-level seminar on the ‘Potential and Prospects of Commercial Beekeeping in District Kupwara’ commenced, organized by the Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Department Kupwara.
The seminar was inaugurated by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kupwara, Rouf ur Rahman, and is scheduled to conclude on February 7, 2024.
Over 200 farmers, primarily beekeepers, and aspiring beekeepers from the district attended the program.
ADC Rouf ur Rahman highlighted the significance of apiculture in creating employment and pledged full support to farming community mega projects for economic uplift.
Gurdeep Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer Kupwara, presented an overview of beekeeping's scope and potential in Kupwara, detailing schemes offered by the UT government for beekeepers.
Lead District Manager Kupwara, Mehboob Illahi Khan, urged farmers to take up beekeeping, emphasizing financing facilities under various subsidized schemes.
Six projects under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), totaling Rs. 176 lac, were approved, including Beekeeping Custom Hiring Centre, equipment manufacturing units, and honey processing units.
A Project Proposal for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Apiculture in Handwara, with a project cost of Rs. 98 lac, was approved by the UT level Committee.
Resource persons urged educated unemployed youth to embrace beekeeping, citing the district's abundant natural resources.
Farmers were encouraged to leverage government schemes and training for establishing income-generating units under the Apiculture sector.
Awareness sessions during the seminar covered registration on the Madhukranti Portal and the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission.
Various officials, experts, and progressive farmers attended the seminar.