IBDC at PAU would help in enhancing the income of the farmers

Honey production in high in India 

But its usage is more in foreign countries-Sampla

Ludhiana: 22nd December 2016: (Punjab Screen Bureau): For More Photos Click Here

An ‘Integrated Beekeeping Development Centre (IBDC)’ was inaugurated at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today by Sh Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Government of India. Sh Vijay Sampla, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, also graced the occasion as guest of honour. Senior officials, faculty of PAU, and progressive beekeepers of Punjab were also present on the occasion.For More Photos Click Here

Sh Meghwal said, “Punjab is known for Green Revolution and agricultural development.” The Central Government is making all out efforts to double the income of the farmers as well as agriculture related entrepreneurs by 2022, he added. Further, he discussed the problems of the beekeepers and assured them of full support in resolving their issues.

Sh Sampla said, “Although honey production in high in India, yet its usage is more in foreign countries.” He said the establishment of this Centre at PAU would help in enhancing the income of the farmers, keeping the environment pollution free, and improving the quality of honey. He also deliberated on social aspects of honey and said that there was lot to learn from this agriculture item.For More Photos Click Here

Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, expressed his sincere gratitude to the Central Government as well as State Government for starting number of schemes for sustaining food security and recognizing significant contributions of PAU in promoting beekeeping as a profitable subsidiary occupation. “Punjab is a leading state in honey production,” he said, while disclosing that the state is producing 39.5 per cent of honey of the country, which is being exported to 48 countries.” “There is a progress in the income of the farmers, but thrust needs to be laid on increasing profits,” he observed. The Integrated Beekeeping Development Centre at PAU would go a long way in giving additional benefits to the farmers, he added. Dr Dhillon also highlighted various crop varieties and commercialization of processing technologies.For More Photos Click Here

Dr S.K. Malhothra, Horticulture Commissioner, Government of India, said that pollination improvement in beekeeping would lead to increased honey production. He lauded All India Coordinated Research Project on Beekeeping at PAU and said that seeing its good work, the Central Government decided to set-up this Centre in the University. He also stressed on following best management practices, and setting-up diagnostic lab and pilot processing plants.For More Photos Click Here

Dr Gurkanwal Singh, Director of Horticulture, Punjab, said that along with honey production, focus was being laid on developing high value bee products. He urged the Central Government to exempt beekeeping from GST. He also referred to the introduction of ‘apitherapy,’ a source of income generation as well as beneficial for public health.
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S. Simranjeet Singh, President of Progressive Beekeepers Association, Punjab, shed light on beekeepers’ problems such as transportation, reduced nectar in sarson and sunflower, etc. He lauded PAU for equipping beekeepers with the useful knowledge and said that beekeeping was the most lucrative occupation, requiring less expenditure and land.
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