World Bee Day: Agriculture Dept Jammu, progressive beekeepers mark day

JAMMU: The Department of Agriculture, Jammu, today celebrated World Bee Day with great fervour and commitment across the Jammu Division. The central event was organized here at the Directorate of Agriculture, Krishi Bhawan, Talab Tillo, under the global theme “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all.” The celebration highlighted the indispensable role of bees and other pollinators in sustaining ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and ensuring food security.

Several progressive farmers and beekeepers shared their experiences, including Babli Devi, Neelam Devi from Samba, Jeffi Kumari, Rajinder Baru and young entrepreneur Vasu Sharma, who spoke about his journey in organic honey production.

The event was presided over by Director Agriculture, Jammu, S. Arvinder Singh Reen and was attended by Joint Director (Extension), Satish Sharma, Joint Director (Inputs), Dr. Ashwani Kumar and Joint Director (SLUB), S. Sohan Singh among others.
The proceedings began with a welcome address by Assistant Entomologist, Apiculture Development Scheme Jammu Rajesh Verma. He provided an insightful overview of World Bee Day, emphasizing its importance in educating the participants about the vital role bees play in ecological balance and agricultural productivity.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director emphasized the ecological and economic significance of bees. He said, “Bees are not just pollinators; they are vital contributors to our food systems and biodiversity. Jammu has immense potential for commercial beekeeping, which can serve as a sustainable income source for our farming community.” He also highlighted initiatives like honey testing labs, diagnostic centres, and processing units set up in Jammu to enhance quality production and provide support to beekeepers.

The Director urged the public and farmers to engage in pollinator-friendly practices such as planting native flowering plants, minimizing pesticide use, supporting local honey producers, and spreading awareness about bee conservation.

The event also witnessed participation from senior officials including Deputy Director (Central), Sanjeev Rai Gupta, Deputy Director (Planning) Jammu, Priyanka Parihar, Agronomist (VIS) Jammu, Vikas Padha, Deputy Director (Trainings), Karuna Nidhi, SMS RL, Madan Lal, SMS RL, Dharmesh Vaid, SMS RL, Sanjay Anand, Chief Agriculture Officer Jammu, Manohar Lal Sharma, DSCO Jammu, Nirmal Parkash, DSSO Jammu, Rakesh Sharma, PPO Jammu, Raju Mahajan, Agriculture Chemist Jammu, Vinod Sharma, MDO Jammu, Raghubhir Singh Kochar, Farmers, Beekeepers, Sectoral Heads, Section Officers and other staff members among others. The programme was hosted by the Apiculture Development Scheme Jammu and was seamlessly coordinated by AEA, Veena Wazir, who conducted the proceedings.