A seven-day Basic Training Programme on “Scientific Beekeeping on Oilseed Crops for Enhancing Honey Production and Increasing Productivity of Oilseeds,” organised by the Office of the District Officer (Horticulture & Soil Conservation), Thoubal, commenced today at the Training Hall of the District Officer (Horti & SC). The programme, conducted under the Manipur Beekeeping and Honey Mission (MBHM), is designed to improve honey production while simultaneously boosting the productivity of major oilseed crops through effective pollination. The training will conclude on December 16.
The programme was inaugurated by Th. Joyprakash Singh, DAO, Thoubal/Kakching as Chief Guest, Ksh. Premlata Devi, Sr. Scientist & Head, KVK, Thoubal as Guest of Honour and Kh. Malemnganba Meitei, DO, Horti. & SC, Thoubal as President, who highlighted the crucial role of honeybees in boosting agricultural output, particularly in oilseed cultivation.
In the dignitaries address, the Chief Guest highlighted that scientific beekeeping not only supports rural livelihoods but also significantly increases crop yield and quality, the Guest of Honour noted that integrating beekeeping with oilseed cultivation can lead to a significant rise in yield of crops such as mustard, sunflower, sesame, and niger due to improved pollination, and the President reiterated its commitment to promoting modern beekeeping technologies and supporting farmers through capacity-building initiatives.
After the inaugural session, it was followed by the First Day of Technical Session where Resource Person/Expert- Dr. P. Bhumita. Assistant Professor, COA, CAU Imphal, Dr. H. Ramananda Singh, SMS, Plant Protection, KVK, Imphal East and Smt. Ch. Joyshree Devi, ACF, Horti. & SC, Thoubal briefed the participants about the objectives of the training, which include, understanding the importance of honeybee pollination in oilseed crops, scientific methods of beekeeping and colony management, seasonal management practices for maintaining strong bee colonies, placement of bee colonies in oilseed fields for optimum pollination, identification and management of bee diseases and pests, techniques for honey extraction, processing, and quality enhancement, economic benefits and marketing opportunities for honey and other hive products.
A total of 25 numbers of participants attended the training function where they expressed keen interest in adopting scientific beekeeping practices to increase their income and crop productivity.