Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. AWANTIPORA: A two-day National Level Seminar on “Scientific Honey Beekeeping Integrated with Oilseed Mission” commenced today at the Innovation Campus of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora. The event sponsored by Ni-MSME Hyderabad brings together experts, policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs to explore the scientific, economic, and entrepreneurial dimensions of apiculture and its integration with the National Oilseed Mission.
The inaugural session was graced by Javid Ahmad Dar, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development &Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion. He appreciated IUST’s initiatives in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly through programs that link science and technology to socio-economic development. The Hon’ble Minister also visited the i-Factory Lab, Design and Development Lab, Fab Lab, and Ultratech Cement Lab and assured his full support to the university’s innovation-led initiatives aimed at advancing agri-tech development.
The event was presided over by Prof.Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST, who emphasized the economic and ecological importance of beekeeping in enhancing agricultural productivity, biodiversity conservation, and improving rural livelihoods. Highlighting IUST’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, he reiterated the university’s commitment to translating ideas into impactful solutions.
He noted that the region’s rich biodiversity and favourable climate provide ideal conditions for high-quality honey production, making beekeeping a high-value livelihood with strong potential for export-oriented MSME growth
Prof.Vikas Nanda, Professor at the SantLongowal Institute of Engineering and Technology (SLIET), Punjab, spoke about recent advances in apiculture research and how technological interventions can improve honey quality and production efficiency. Prof. Zafar U. Ahmad, Founder and CEO of the Academy for Global Business Advancement (AGBA), Washington D.C., stressed the need for branding, quality enhancement, and international promotion of Kashmiri honey to make it a globally recognized product.
Prof. A. H. Moon, Dean Academic Affairs, appreciated the relevance of the seminar in linking research with practice. The program was also attended by Prof. Abdul Wahid Makhdoomi, Registrar; Deans, Directors, faculty members, and students of IUST, as well as a large number of beekeepers from different districts of Kashmir.
Earlier, welcoming the guests, Prof.Parvez A. Mir, CEO, CIED-IUST Foundation, highlighted the activities of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED) and its role in promoting skill-based and sustainable enterprises. The program proceedings were coordinated by Dr.Ruheela Hassan, Dean Outreach, IUST.