Workshop on honey bees and pollinators concludes

Dimapur, March 14 (EMN): The biennial group meeting of ICAR- All India coordinated research project (AICRP) on honey bees and pollinators- concluded on March 9 at School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development (SASRD), Nagaland University, Medziphema. The workshop was jointly organised by ICAR- AICRP (honey bees and pollinators, New Delhi) and AICRP (honey bees and pollinators), department of entomology, SASRD, Nagaland University.

A total of 60 delegates from all over India participated in the workshop and shared the outcome of their research works in different technical sessions. The recommendations included scientific rearing, honey extraction techniques, pollination management and nutraceutical properties of stingless honey bee to be carried out by AICRP (HB&P), SASRD, Nagaland centre, while other AICRP centres would carry out in-depth and focussed study on honey bee pollination and their disease management.

During the programme, publications from AICRP (HB&P), SASRD, and other centres were also released.

A field visit was organised in collaboration with Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) to Old Jalukie village under Peren district on March 9.  The delegates were shown about the stingless honey bee rearing in Nagaland. Dr Avinash Chauhan, Scientist, along with NBHM representative, Patrick, led the delegates and demonstrated the stingless bee rearing techniques practised in Nagaland.

There was also a session on the effect of Neonicotenoids on honey bee and pollinators which is a global issue along with representatives of chemical companies from India, UK, USA, Japan and Singapore.

Prof. HK Singh, co-organising secretary and scientist in-charge of AICRP (HB&P), SASRD, briefed about the scope of beekeeping particularly on the pollination aspect by stingless bee.

Meanwhile, the organisers thanked the Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission, Director of Horticulture, Vice Chancellor of Nagaland University and Pro Vice-Chancellor, SASRD NU, for extending their cooperation and financial support during the workshop.