Hands-on training program on "Beekeeping"

 

School of Agriculture (SOA), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun conducted a hands-on training program on "Beekeeping" as part of the Experiential Learning Programme (ELP) from 25 February 2024 to 25 April 2024 in the university campus. The objective of the training session was to provide practical exposure to agriculture students in the scientific methods of beekeeping, honey extraction, quality testing, processing and packaging, and commercialization.

The training was planned into different sessions covering various aspects of beekeeping, such as establishing an apiary, identifying the bee species, understanding the principles and uses of beekeeping tools and equipment, managing bee colonies for optimal honey production, controlling pests and diseases, recognizing the importance of pollination, and processing of honey. Participants also gained hands-on experience in handling different types of honeybees, maintaining the cleanliness of hives, identifying bee castes, rearing queen bees, collecting pollen, installing comb foundations, filtering the honey, and labeling and packaging honeybee products.

This ELP not only provided students with practical skills but also developed their understanding of the vital role honeybees play in agriculture. The participants were also motivated for the potential of beekeeping as a sustainable and profitable entrepreneurship. Ms Ankita Joshi, Pro Chancellor appreciated the active participation of students in the training. Prof (Dr) Mahipal Singh, Dean of SOA distributed certificates to all participants.

The training was coordinated by subject expert, Dr Mohsin Ikram, Assistant Professor, SOA, and a total of 25 agriculture students actively participated.