Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, successfully concluded a five-day “Beekeeping Training Course for Beginners,” sponsored by the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM). Organized by the Department of Entomology, the training aimed to promote beekeeping as a livelihood option for unemployed rural youth and para-military personnel across India.
A total of 43 participants, including 38 men and 5 women, attended the course. The diverse batch included trainees from various states such as Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Telangana. Notably, a contingent from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) also took part in the training, reflecting the growing interest in apiculture as a supplementary income activity.
Dr. M.S. Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, emphasized the broader purpose of the training, stating, “This initiative is not just about learning beekeeping — it is about empowering underprivileged and unemployed youth by equipping them with the tools to become self-reliant. Trained participants will act as ambassadors of PAU in their respective states, spreading awareness and practical knowledge about apiculture.”
Under the supervision of Dr. Manmeet Kaur Bhullar, Head of the Department of Entomology, the training provided an encouraging environment for beginners to understand the fundamentals of beekeeping. She urged trainees to consider beekeeping not merely as a hobby but as a potential startup opportunity with significant income-generating potential.
During the concluding ceremony, Dr. B.K. Kang, Principal Entomologist, highlighted the national representation among the trainees and reiterated PAU’s commitment to knowledge dissemination across borders. He praised the dedication of the participants and encouraged them to put their newly gained skills into practice.
Dr. Jaspal Singh, Principal Entomologist and Course Director, provided insights into the course content, noting that the programme covered both theoretical and hands-on training. “Participants were trained in essential aspects of beekeeping such as hive management, seasonal care, identification and control of bee diseases and enemies, queenlessness issues, colony multiplication, and honey and beeswax extraction, along with post-harvest handling,” he explained.
The training was supported by expert faculty including Dr. Amit Choudhary and Dr. Bharathi Mohindru, who played key roles in the seamless conduct of lectures, demonstrations, and field sessions.
With the successful completion of this programme, PAU continues its legacy of rural empowerment through skill-based education and practical training, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic development in the agriculture sector.
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