Rajouri: Department of Zoology BGSB University Rajouri J&K celebrated “World Bee day” by organising a virtual webinar on the theme “Bee engaged: Build Back better for bees” for which more than 300 participants were registered for the webinar across the country. 20th May has been designated as “World Bee Day” by United Nations and this day is being celebrated by Bee biologists, Farmers, Students and other persons very enthusiastically through webinars, seminars and extension programmes to highlighted the importance of Bees in providing the ecosystem services in the form of pollination and for providing the delicious food product in the form of Honey, Pollen and Propolis.
This webinar was sponsored by National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS), Almora and endorsed by the Indian Pollinator Initiative. Prof. Akbar Masood, Vice Chancellor congratulated the department for organising the webinar on “World Bee Day”. In his message he stressed upon conserving the small creature for maintaining the biodiversity. In his message, Prof. Akbar Masood said that engaging the local communities in the research and development activities for greater benefits of the Bees and society as a whole.
Prof. Iqbal Parwez, Dean Academic Affairs formally inaugurated the webinar. Speaking on the occasion Prof. Iqbal highlighted various initiatives of the Department of Zoology for community development through various extension and research programmes. Prof. Iqbal Parwez congratulated the department of Zoology for taking a lead in conservation affords in protecting the Bees and getting their services in the form of pollination that indirectly help the farmers in crop production.
Dr. Sajad Hussain Parey, Organising Secretary introduced about the webinar and highlighted the importance of Bees in conserving local biodiversity. He briefed the audience about the species diversity of bees over the globe and their economical benefits.
Dr. Palatty Allesh Sinu, Postdoc Fellow University of Arizona, USA/Assistant Professor Central University Kerala spoke about Megachile Bees which are commonly known as leaf cutter bees. He presented a detailed taxonomical, Ecological and molecular information about the leaf cutter bees. In addition he gave a comprehensive account of other Bee species which provide extensive economic benefits to farmers by boosting the pollination.
Mr. Apoorva BV, Director HoneyDay Bee Farms, Bangalore a young entrepreneur spoke on Honeybees and Beekeeping. He provided extensive information about taking Beekeeping as an entrepreneurship by taking up different schemes from the local and federal government on beekeeping.
Dr. Mohd Salim Reshi provided vote of thanks to Faculty members, invited speakers and participants of the webinar.
