The Skill Development Centre, Directorate of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, organized an advanced beekeeping training course for women farmers from Ek Onkar Self Help Group and Baba Dera Wala Self Help Group. The training, which 22 participants attended, was held from December 9 to 13, 2024, under the banner of Ajivika Honey Cooperative Society.

Dr Rupinder Kaur, Associate Director (Skill Development), highlighted that the primary goal of this five-day training programme was to equip participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical expertise in beekeeping from university experts. She emphasized that the training aimed to empower women farmers to enhance their livelihoods through professional beekeeping practices.

Dr. Jaspal Singh, Technical Course Coordinator, explained the significance of the training and its role in promoting scientific beekeeping practices. He introduced a team of subject matter experts from the Department of Entomology, including Dr Amit Chaudhary, Dr Bharti Mahindroo, Dr Pushpinder Kaur Brar, and Dr Kaushik Mandal, who provided hands-on knowledge on various aspects of beekeeping.

Experts from other departments also contributed to the programme. Dr M.S. Alam and Dr Manmeet Manav from the Department of Food Processing and Engineering, Dr Raman Deep Singh Jassal, In-charge of AGMARK Lab and Director of the School of Business Studies, and Dr Nikhil Ambish Mehta, Horticulture Development Officer, Ludhiana, delivered sessions on diverse topics such as honey processing, marketing strategies, and value addition.

After the training, Dr Prerna Kapila shared information about upcoming training programmes at the Skill Development Centre, expressed gratitude to the participants and university experts, and encouraged the trainees to implement the knowledge and skills acquired during the training in their entrepreneurial ventures.

The training was widely appreciated by the participants, who expressed their confidence in applying the techniques learned to enhance their livelihoods and contribute to the success of the Ajivika Honey Cooperative Society.