Quantum University Organizes Five-Day Apiculture Training for B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture Students
The Department of Agricultural Studies at Quantum University, Roorkee, successfully organized a five-day intensive training program on Apiculture (Beekeeping) from 7th to 12th May 2025 at Ujjawal Kisan Madhumakhhi Palan Kendra, Dhandhedi, Khwajgipur, Roorkee, Uttarakhand. This initiative aimed to provide students with hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of the vital role honey bees play in agriculture and ecological balance.
The Relevance of Beekeeping in Modern Agriculture
Honey bees are one of the most efficient insect pollinators, contributing to the pollination of over 70% of cross-pollinated crops, including apple, mustard, coriander, pear, and plum. Their role in enhancing crop productivity—ranging from 20% to 70% increases—makes apiculture an essential component of sustainable agriculture.
Recognizing this critical importance, the training was curated to align academic learning with practical exposure. Under the guidance of Dr. Rakesh Kumar (Assistant Professor, Agricultural Studies) and with the approval of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Vivek Kumar and HoD Dr. Gaurav Aggarwal, the program was conducted for the third-year B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture students (6th Semester).
Expert Guidance and Industry Insights
Students benefited from engaging sessions and demonstrations by industry experts and government officials:
- Mr. Kundan Singh Bisht, Retired Honey Inspector, Govt. of Uttarakhand
- Mr. Ujjwal Saini, Apiary Farm Owner and Training Host
- Mr. Tejpal Singh, Chief Horticulture Officer
- Mr. Sethimal, Honey Inspector
The experts delivered lectures on:
- Bee species and their roles (worker bees, drones, and queen)
- Seasonal hive management practices
- Beekeeping tools and equipment (e.g., queen excluder, hive tool, pollen trap, honey extractor)
- Disease and pest management in colonies
- Techniques for queen rearing, including the Doolittle Method
- Government schemes and funding support for apiculture enterprises
Students also had the opportunity to interact directly with live colonies of Apis mellifera (Italian bee), which can produce 35–70 kg of honey per year per colony. They practiced inspecting hives, identifying colony health indicators, and even grafted 20-hour-old larvae for queen production.
Advocating for Bee Conservation
An important aspect of the training was spreading awareness about the declining population of honey bees due to the indiscriminate use of pesticides. As quoted during the session:
“If the bee disappeared off the face of the Earth, man would only have four years left to live.” – Albert Einstein
This message reinforced the need for sustainable farming and environmental responsibility among the students.
Faculty Participation and Student Engagement
The training also saw active involvement from faculty members, including Dr. Anjay Singh Bisht, Dr. Asheeh Malik, Ms. Pooja Barthwal, and Dr. S.P. Singh, who accompanied students throughout the program, providing academic support and mentorship.
Conclusion
The five-day apiculture training was a resounding success, equipping students with practical skills, scientific knowledge, and environmental awareness crucial for modern agricultural professionals. Quantum University remains committed to delivering experiential learning opportunities that bridge classroom knowledge with real-world agricultural practices.
