Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ludhiana (Samrala), under Punjab Agricultural University, in collaboration with the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Government of India, organized an awareness programme on scientific beekeeping (Honey Mission Programme) and its role in Integrated Farming Systems (IFS). The objective of the programme was to make farmers aware of the economic potential of apiculture and its contribution to sustainable agriculture and diversification of farm enterprises.
The technical sessions were enriched by a range of subject experts. Dr. A.S. Malik, Assistant Director, KVIC, emphasized the scope of beekeeping as a remunerative agro-industry and outlined various government support schemes. Mr. Satvinder Singh, Senior Consultant, Regional Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (RCED), provided insights into colony management, disease prevention, and production of quality honey for domestic and export markets. From KVK Ludhiana (Samrala), Dr. Baljit Singh, Assistant Professor (Entomology), explained the scientific aspects of beekeeping, while Dr. Amanpreet Singh, Assistant Professor (Agronomy), highlighted the integration of beekeeping with crops like fruits, oilseeds, and pulses under Integrated Farming Systems.
In addition, Dr. Veerpartap Singh, Assistant Professor (Horticulture), discussed the vital role of honeybees in improving fruit set and quality in horticultural crops, underscoring the interdependence of orchards and beekeeping. Dr. Parvinder Kaur, Assistant Professor (Home Science), sensitized farmers about value addition in honey and wax products, household-level processing, and opportunities for entrepreneurship, particularly for rural women. Dr. Vipan Kumar Rampal, Associate Director (Training), KVK Ludhiana (Samrala), is encouraging farmers to adopt apiculture as a supplementary source of income and as a step toward achieving agricultural diversification.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation of around 50 farmers, who actively interacted with experts and acquired practical knowledge about scientific practices in apiculture, value-added product preparation, and marketing opportunities. The KVK assured continuous technical guidance and backstopping support to farmers adopting beekeeping as a complementary enterprise.