Punjab, A Leading State In Honey Production: PAU Expert

Ludhiana, November 19, 2015: The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) is pioneer in India in the successful introduction, establishment and spread of a high honey yielding Italian honey bee in the country, which has brought about commercialization and industrialization of beekeeping in the country, in general and in Punjab, in particular. This was highlighted by Dr Dulcha Singh Brar, Head, Department of Entomology, PAU, while addressing the schedule caste trainees during the ‘Basic Beekeeping Training Course,’ organized at village Badowal, Ludhiana.

Sharing that Punjab is a leading state in the country in honey production, he revealed there has been enormous export of honey to the other nations. Dr Brar said that the present basic beekeeping training course is endeavoured at providing livelihood to the underprivileged and unemployed rural youth of the state, thus, enabling them to earn handsomely.

Dr Pardeep Kumar Chhuneja, Course Director, said the trainees are being imparted practical knowledge, on various aspects of beekeeping, through lectures, demonstrations and hands-on practice. The experts are educating the trainees about seasonal bee management practices, colony management, management of bee enemies and diseases; swarming, robbing and queenlessness problems in honey bee colonies and their remedies; honey and beeswax extraction, processing and marketing.

Dr Jaspal Singh, Technical Coordinator of the course, highlighted the importance of beekeeping. He said the course aims at enabling the trainees to earn substantially for social and economic security.