Dabur, Sher-e-Kashmir University train local youth on beekeeping

Srinagar, Oct 16: India’s leading Science-based Ayurveda major Dabur India Ltd has joined hands with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology-Kashmir to support and train beekeepers from Kashmir on best practices in beekeeping, and also empower the local youth by engaging them in beekeeping. Under this joint initiative, a seven-day training programme was organised in the university to impart technical knowledge required for efficient management of bee colonies and impart best beekeeping practices. The training will go a long way in providing income-generating opportunities to the local youth while bridging the skill deficits at the ground level.
“Beekeeping is an essential practice that not only contributes to the preservation of our environment, pollination of crops, ensuring food security and biodiversity but also offers tremendous potential for income generation and sustainable livelihoods in communities. However, for many young people, especially those in underserved regions, access to the necessary training and resources is limited. This joint initiative by Dabur and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology-Kashmir aims to bridge that gap and provide valuable opportunities for local youth while promoting ethical and sustainable beekeeping practices,” Dabur India Limited Marketing Head-Health Supplements Mr. Prashant Agarwal said.
This comprehensive training programme on beekeeping focused on best practices in beekeeping, hive management, and honey production, all while emphasizing the importance of bee health and ethical treatment. Experts from the university prepared a specialised beekeeper training module designed to equip both novice and experienced beekeepers with the knowledge and skills required for successful, ethical, and sustainable beekeeping. The programme covered topics such as hive maintenance, disease management, pollination services, and honey extraction techniques.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor T. H. Masoodi, Director Research, SKUAST-Kashmir emphasized on the vital importance of beekeeping in Agriculture and for enhancing the economic empowerment of unemployed educated youth. “This initiative represents a powerful example of how corporations and universities can join forces to drive positive change and promote sustainable economic development. I am thankful to Dabur India Limited for helping organising this training programme,” Professor Masoodi said.
“By investing in the skills and future of local youth, we are committed to fostering a brighter and more sustainable future for local communities. This training session has been conceptualized to give momentum to Dabur’s mission of making the beekeeper community and local youth in Kashmir more self-reliant, self-sustaining and scientific in their approach. By empowering local beekeepers and youth with this training and certification, we aim to promote sustainable practices, protect bee populations, and support the livelihoods of local youth in the region,” Dabur India Limited CSR Head Mr. Byas Anand said.
The training program covered a wide range of topics, including beekeeping fundamentals, disease prevention, and the crucial role of bees in pollination and ecosystem health. Participants gained valuable knowledge that will not only benefit their beekeeping practices but also contribute to the overall well-being of the environment.