Beekeeping training programme begins
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 24 2024:
Bees help in pollination of various food crops essential to human beings, which in turn increases crop production, said Md Zakir Hussain, Additional Director, Horticulture & Soil Conservation.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the 7-day State Level Basic Training Programme on Beekeeping organised by the Manipur Beekeeping and Honey Mission (MBHM) under the sponsorship of National Bee Board, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India at the Conference Hall, Directorate of Horticulture and Soil Conservation today.
Speaking as th'e chief guest, Md Zakir Hussain stressed on the growing significance of bee-keeping as an occupation under the Agriculture Department.
Bees help in pollinating a wide range of crops, fruits and other food items.
A decline in pollination can lead to a decline in food production.
According to scientific data, yield of crops pollinated by bees can increase by 30 to 40%, he claimed.
Widespread use of pesticides and weedicides leads to a decrease in bee population.
In turn, this causes a decrease in food production.
For this reason, the Indian Government has been engaged in measures to promote beekeeping as a profession, said Md Zakir Hussain.
The event was attended by Lenin Khwairakpam, Deputy Director, Horticulture and Soil Conservation as the guest of honour and Yumlembam Bikram, Officer in-charge, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) as the functional president.
The training programme is set to conclude on June 30 .