ITBP Members Begin Stingless Beekeeping Training in Bengaluru
The second group of 26 members from the Indo-Tibetan Police Force (ITBP), representing 14 battalions across ten states, has started a five-day training program in meliponiculture at the ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (ICAR-NBAIR) in Bengaluru. This training, which began on Wednesday, focuses on stingless beekeeping, a method of raising and managing native stingless bees.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to assist tribal communities in regions affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) by enhancing their income and promoting self-sufficiency. The first group of 20 ITBP members completed similar training in June at the same location.
During the June training, Ramesh Chand, the ITBP Team Lead, praised the anticipated benefits of the program. The training included both theoretical and practical lessons on the biology and behavior of stingless bees, as well as value addition and honey marketing strategies. Key participants in the program included Dr. K. Subaharan, Principal Scientist and Head of the Division of Germplasm Conservation and Utilization, along with experts Drs. A.N. Shylesha and T.M. Shivalingaswamy.
Doubts Revealed
ITBP -: ITBP stands for Indo-Tibetan Border Police. It is one of India’s Central Armed Police Forces, responsible for guarding the borders with Tibet and China.
Stingless Beekeeping -: Stingless beekeeping involves keeping bees that do not have stingers. These bees are known for producing honey and are safer to handle than regular bees.
ICAR-NBAIR -: ICAR-NBAIR stands for Indian Council of Agricultural Research – National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources. It is an institute in Bengaluru that focuses on research related to insects and agriculture.
LWE-affected areas -: LWE stands for Left Wing Extremism. These are areas in India affected by groups that follow extreme leftist ideologies, often causing unrest and violence.
Meliponiculture -: Meliponiculture is the practice of keeping stingless bees for honey production and other benefits. It is a sustainable form of beekeeping.
Dr. K. Subaharan -: Dr. K. Subaharan is an expert involved in the training program. He likely has knowledge and experience in beekeeping and agriculture.