JAMMU: The Department of Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Jammu, under its Apiculture Development Scheme, organized a Seven-Day Divisional Level Training Programme on Scientific Beekeeping integrated with Oil Seed Mission for beekeepers and farmers of NMEO-OS. The session, held under the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), commenced on August 18, 2025.

The programme concluded today with a valedictory session held at Kisan Kendra, Talab Tillo with Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta as the Chief Guest. Among others present were Joint Director Inputs, Dr. Ashwani Kumar; Assistant Entomologist, Rajesh Verma; Agriculture Economist Tilak Raj Sharma; Agronomist (VIS) Vikas Padha; Agriculture Information Officer (FTC) Guldev Raj; District Agriculture Officer Neeraj Rajwal.

 A group of 25 prospective beekeepers from Oil Seed Cluster Bhalwal attended the seven-day training programme. The scientists from SKUAST–Jammu and departmental experts delivered lectures on all aspects of scientific beekeeping. The participants also visited the Apiculture Demonstration-cum-Training Centre, Chimney Chak, Jammu, where they received practical hands-on training on the operation of bee hives and management of bee colonies.

Additionally, the trainees were taken to the Honey processing and testing Laboratory, AICRP for Honey Bees & Pollinators at SKUAST–J, where they were imparted knowledge about value addition of honey and its potential in making beekeeping a viable and profitable enterprise.

The Director highlighted the vast potential of apiculture in enhancing farmers’ income and emphasized the importance of adopting scientific techniques in beekeeping. He also elaborated on various apiculture-based schemes being implemented by the department to promote beekeeping as a sustainable and profitable livelihood option for farming communities.  

Joint Director Inputs underlined the role of apiculture in crop diversification, pollination management, and doubling farmers’ income. He encouraged farmers to avail departmental support and adopt innovative practices to strengthen beekeeping as an allied agricultural enterprise. Earlier, the programme began with a welcome address by Assistant Entomologist, Rajesh Verma.

Later, Certificates, tool kits and Bee flora saplings were distributed among the participating farmers. The Team Apiculture of the department conducted the proceedings of the programme.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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