CSIR-IIIM distributes 430 apiculture units Under CSIR Floriculture Mission
Pulwama, Sep 11: In a significant boost to Kashmir’s apiculture sector, the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, distributed 430 apiculture units to 43 farmers from Pulwama, Baramulla, Budgam, Shopian, and Ganderbal under the CSIR Floriculture Mission. The event was held at the CSIR IIIM Field Station, Bonera, Pulwama, marking the culmination of a 10-day programme on “Entrepreneurship Development and Farmer Empowerment through Capacity Development.”
The event was attended by Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR IIIM; Dr Basharat Qayoom, IAS, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama; Er Abdur Rahim, Head CSIR IIIM Branch Lab Srinagar; Dr Shahid Rasool, Principal Scientist and Scientist In-Charge, CSIR IIIM Field Station, Bonera; along with officers, researchers, 80 farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and local dignitaries.
Addressing the participants, DC Pulwama Dr Basharat Qayoom appreciated the initiative for promoting rural livelihoods and apiculture-based product development.
“Apiculture holds immense potential in Pulwama and other parts of Kashmir due to its rich nectar-bearing floral biodiversity. The collaboration between CSIR IIIM and local farmers has strengthened bio-entrepreneurship and contributed to sustainable economic growth,” he said.
Dr Zabeer Ahmed highlighted the Institute’s commitment to farmer-centric innovations, noting that apiculture enhances income diversification, crop pollination, and overall agro-ecosystem sustainability. Er Abdul Rahim underlined market prospects for high-quality honey and value-added products, emphasising scientific protocols for maximising income.
The programme included technical demonstrations on modern beekeeping, disease management, and integration of apiculture with floriculture. Each beneficiary received a honey bee box, a technical manual, and a certificate to support beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood. The event concluded with an interactive session between experts and farmers.
