Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 30: The Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) Certificate Course on “Apiculturist (Wild Bee) – NTFP (Non-Timber Forest Produce)” concluded with a valedictory ceremony at ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Sippighat, South Andaman, on September 28, 2026.
The programme was organized by C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre (CPREEC) EIACP Programme Centre Resource Partner (RP), Chennai, in collaboration with ICAR-KVK, South Andaman, with the support of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India. The training was conducted from August 20 to September 28, 2026, with the objective of developing knowledge and practical skills in wild bee identification, colony management, safe bee handling, bee flora, floral calendar preparation, sustainable harvesting, pollination, honey and beeswax, and beekeeping-based livelihood opportunities. The training combined classroom sessions, practical demonstrations, field observations, technical lectures and exposure to apiculture practices. Trainees received hands-on training in wild bee identification, colony organization and management, bee handling, capturing and introduction of wild colonies into bee boxes, hive installation, identification and use of beekeeping equipment, honey harvesting and sustainable beekeeping practices.
Presenting the Programme Report and Training Highlights, Mr. A. Gopal, Project Officer, CPREEC, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, highlighted the learning outcomes and practical activities undertaken during the course. The trainees gained practical knowledge of important bee products, including honey, beeswax, propolis, royal jelly and bee pollen, as well as the importance of bees in pollination and biodiversity conservation.
A major highlight of the training was the Bee Flora Herbarium prepared and exhibited by the trainees. The herbarium showcased locally available flowering plants that serve as important nectar and pollen resources for bees. The activity helped trainees understand the relationship between bee colonies and flowering plants and supported their learning in bee flora identification and floral calendar preparation.
The valedictory programme was graced by Dr. Jai Sunder, Director, ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram, as the Chief Guest. He distributed certificates to the trainees and beekeeping tools and equipment to the SHG to support sustainable livelihood activities. Dr. Y. Rama Krishna, Principal Scientist & Head, ICAR-KVK, Sippighat: Mr. Kumaravelu, Assistant Director (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles; Mrs. Pachaiamma, Panchayat Samiti, Beodnabad Gram Panchayat; and Mr. Zacharia George, Subject Matter Specialist, ICAR-KVK, Sippighat, also participated in the programme and felicitated the trainees and participants.
The programme included experience sharing by trainees, felicitation of guests, distribution of certificates to the trainees, and distribution of beekeeping tools and equipment to Krishna Tulsi SHG to support sustainable livelihood activities. Addressing the gathering, the organizers emphasized the importance of scientific apiculture, conservation of wild bee resources and bee flora, pollination services and sustainable livelihood opportunities. The trainees were encouraged to utilize the knowledge and practical skills gained during the course for promoting responsible beekeeping and livelihood activities in their communities.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. A. Gopal, Project Officer, CPREEC-EIACP, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
