Platinum jubilee conference

Ludhiana: A three-day platinum jubilee conference of the Indian Society of Agricultural Economics (IASE), Mumbai, will commence from November 19 at Punjab Agricultural University. It is being organised by the Department of Economics and Sociology. About 300 eminent agricultural economists, policy planners, officials of governmental and non-governmental organisations across the country and abroad are expected to participate. According to Dr Sukhpal Singh, head, Department of Economics and organising secretary, the conference will deliberate on — Opportunities for Disadvantaged Regions and Backward People; Water, Technology, Development; and Rural Women, Basic Needs. Dr RS Deshpande, former director, Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bengaluru and the president-elect, IASE will deliver the presidential address. Dr C Ramasamy, president, Dr CL Dadhich, secretary, ISAE, as well as Dr BS Dhillon, vice-chancellor will address the delegates in the inaugural session. . A special evening lecture will be delivered by Ashok Dalwai, secretary, Agriculture, Government of India.

Beekeeping training course

The Apiculture unit of the Department of Entomology, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) organised a basic beekeeping training course at the Badowal village. The course has been specifically designed for scheduled castes. The course is being conducted under the aegis of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna. Dr DS Brar, Head, Entomology, said, experts, so far, have highlighted the importance and scope of beekeeping; and educated the trainees about honey bee species, colony organisation, division of labour and life cycle of honey bees. Besides, trainees were imparted practical training in the examination of honey bee colonies, and acquainted with apicultural equipment, principles of their working and uses, he added. Dr Brar further said experts also gave useful tips to start beekeeping, and for the management of honey bee colonies during spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter seasons. Dr PK Chhuneja, in-charge, Apiculture unit and course director, said experts also dwelt on bee enemies and their management; bee flora-their utility and importance; management of queenless and laying worker colonies; identification and management of bee mites, wax moths, wasps, ants and bee diseases. During the next two days, the experts would delve on technologies for production of bee products, beekeeping schemes under National Horticulture Mission, and diseases of honey bees and their management, he informed. Dr Jaspal Singh, technical coordinator of the course, said trainees will also be apprised of economics of beekeeping; migration of honey bee colonies-importance, need, routes and techniques; financing schemes ofbanks for beekeepers; and composition, processing, packing, quality and marketing of honey. —TNS