India constitutes 12.2 million honey bees: PAU Expert at training camp
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana, October 9, 2024: “India constitutes 12.2 million honey bees,” disclosed Dr Sangeet Ranguwal, an economics expert, while delivering her talk on “Export of Honey and their Products” during the monthly training camp for Progressive Beekeepers Association at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) today.
As many as 22 beekeepers attended the camp held under the aegis of the Directorate of Extension Education.Nestling 12.2 million honey bee colonies, India produced 1.2 million tonnes of honey, she divulged.
Being an important ingredient of every Indian household, honey’s demand was seeing an upswing due to changing dietary patterns, its highly nutritive value, and the growing taste buds of the health-conscious population, said Dr Ranguwal.
Dr Sonika Sharma, a food and nutrition expert, highlighted the health benefits of honey comprising its vital role in biological, physiological, and pharmacological activities.
She also warned against the side effects of long-term use of bee pollen, resulting in skin rash, bruising, loss of appetite, upper stomach pain, rapid weight gain, etc.
Earlier, Jatinder Singh Sohi, President of PBKA, welcomed the experts and the farmers. Later, Varinder Singh from the Communication Centre coordinated the program and proposed a vote of thanks.
The programme was directed by Dr TS Riar, Additional Director of Communication, and Dr Kuldeep Singh, Head, of the Department of Extension Education.