SKUAST-K, Dabur aim to provide sustainable livelihoods through beekeeping in Kashmir

Srinagar, May 28:  In a landmark move to generate sustainable livelihoods for the local youth of Kashmir, leading Ayurveda major Dabur India Ltd has joined forces with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K) to promote beekeeping in the region.

As part of this transformative initiative, Dabur has donated a staggering 250 bee boxes, accompanied by 2,000 bee frames teeming with live bee colonies, along with essential beekeeping equipment to 27 local farmers and youth. This generous contribution aims to pave the way for economic empowerment and self-sufficiency.

Speaking on the occasion, Dabur India Limited Marketing Head-Health Supplements, Prashant Agarwal, emphasized the company's commitment to bridging skill gaps and fostering entrepreneurship. "We are thrilled to partner with SKUAST-Kashmir in this initiative to provide income-generating opportunities and livelihoods to local youth from Kashmir," he stated.

In addition to the beekeeping infrastructure, Dabur and SKUAST-Kashmir have conducted comprehensive training sessions, equipping the beneficiaries with best practices in efficient colony management. "The training will go a long way in providing income-generating opportunities to the local youth while bridging the skill deficits at the ground level," Agarwal affirmed.

Extending the celebration of World Bee Day, this collaborative effort not only supports sustainable livelihoods but also contributes to the preservation of biodiversity, a cause close to Dabur's heart. "We are proud to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and support sustainable livelihoods through this beekeeping training program," Agarwal added.

He said that the training will go a long way in providing income-generating opportunities to the local youth while bridging the skill deficits at the ground level.

“We are thrilled to partner with SKUAST-Kashmir in this initiative to provide income-generating opportunities and livelihood to local youth from Kashmir. This initiative is an extension of our World Bee Day celebrations, and we are proud to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and support sustainable livelihoods through this beekeeping training programme," Agarwal said.

He said by distributing bee colonies and essential beekeeping equipment to the youth, we are not only fostering environmental stewardship but also empowering the next generation to engage in productive and eco-friendly practices.

Agarwal said that this initiative reflects our commitment to community development and sustainability.

A seminar was also organised on the occasion, which provided an extensive platform for knowledge sharing on various aspects of beekeeping, including colony management, honey extraction, and the vital role bees play in pollination and maintaining biodiversity.

“Bees are vital to our environment, and beekeeping can provide sustainable income opportunities for the youth. By distributing beekeeping equipment and colonies, we aim to encourage young people to engage in beekeeping as an income-generating exercise," he said.

He said Dabur India Ltd is one of India’s leading FMCG Companies. Building on a legacy of quality and experience for over 140 years, Dabur is today India’s most trusted name and the world’s largest Ayurvedic and Natural Health Care Company.

"Dabur India's FMCG portfolio includes nine Power Brands: Dabur Chyawanprash, Dabur Honey, Dabur Honitus, Dabur Lal Tail and Dabur Pudin Hara in the Healthcare category; Dabur Amla, Vatika and Dabur Red Paste in the Personal care space; and Réal in the Food & Beverages category."