Pollinators in the spotlight: Experts, beekeepers unite to conserve bees
Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSK HPKV), Palampur, celebrated World Bee Day 2025 with enthusiasm at the historic Bee Research Station in Nagrota Bagwan — a renowned Centre of Excellence in Apiculture.
Observed annually on May 20, World Bee Day aims to raise global awareness about the vital role of bees and other pollinators in sustaining ecosystems, supporting food security and preserving biodiversity. This year’s celebration was conceptualised and organised under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor Prof Naveen Kumar, who chose the iconic Nagrota Bagwan station for its rich legacy and significant scientific contributions to beekeeping.
In his message, Prof Kumar emphasised the indispensable role of honey bees in agriculture and food production. “Honey bees are not just producers of honey — they are essential pollinators for nearly 75 per cent of the crops we grow. Their conservation is critical to maintaining ecological balance and achieving sustainable development,” he stated.
Dr MC Rana, Dean of the College of Agriculture, served as the chief guest and highlighted the importance of cultivating bee-friendly flora and integrating beekeeping with Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) to boost both productivity and farmers’ income.
Sandeep Sharma, General Manager of NABARD’s Regional Office in Shimla, spoke on the economic potential of high-quality hive products and stressed the need to improve standards to compete in national and international markets.
Dr Kamal Dev Sharma, Associate Director (Research), underscored the ecological importance of pollinators and urged communities to protect native flora and nesting habitats to ensure environmental sustainability for future generations. Dr AD Bindra, Students’ Welfare Officer, advocated for the formation of large cooperatives to streamline production and marketing, empowering rural beekeepers and enhancing livelihoods.
Dr Surender Sharma, Scientist In-Charge at the Bee Research Station, provided an insightful overview of the current status of beekeeping in the region and shared future projections and research priorities.
To encourage innovation and dedication in the field, progressive beekeepers from the region were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to sustainable apiculture. The event also saw enthusiastic participation from postgraduate students and those enrolled in the Experiential Learning Programme in beekeeping.
