The College of Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University (NAU), Navsari, in collaboration
with Umargam Krishi Vikas Women Farmers Producer Company (FPO) Limited, Saronda,
Taluka–Umargam, District–Valsad, organized a two-day training programme on Apiculture
on 24th and 25th September 2026 at Khushru Bagh (Jayprakash Bhandari’s Farm).
The Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of Navsari Agricultural University, Dr. Rajendra M. Naik,
conveyed his blessings and best wishes for the successful conduct of the programme.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. R. K. Nair, an environmentalist widely known as
the “Green Hero of India.” The dignitaries present during the inaugural programme
included Dr. Minal B. Tandel, Dean, College of Forestry, NAU; Dr. Jayesh J. Pastagia,
Dean, AABMI, NAU; Dr. Abhishek A. Mehta, Associate Professor, College of Forestry,
NAU; Mr. Dharamshi Prajapati; Dr. Govind Bose, SRF, College of Forestry, NAU; Mr.
Shashikantbhai Patel, President, Bhartiya Kisan Sangh, Valsad District; Mr. Nitin Patil,
CEO, FPO; Mrs. Sweetyben, Sarpanch, Nargol; Mr. Yatinbhai Bhandari, President,
Bhandari Community, Nargol; Mrs. Vaishaliben Y. Bhandari, President, FPO; Mrs.
Haritaben Malviya; and other members of the FPO.
More than 200 farmers from Nargol and surrounding villages participated in the training
programme.
During the inaugural session, Dr. R. K. Nair addressed the gathering and highlighted the
importance of apiculture in farmer development. He explained that beekeeping can serve as
an important supplementary activity for farming communities and can contribute to the
diversification of farm-based livelihoods.
Dr. J. J. Pastagia explained the significant role played by honeybees in pollination and
highlighted their importance in enhancing agricultural productivity.
Dr. M. B. Tandel emphasized the possibilities and potential of apiculture in the coastal
region, particularly as an additional livelihood activity for farmers.
Dr. A. A. Mehta provided detailed insights into migratory beekeeping. He also discussed
approaches for effectively utilizing different floral resources available at various locations
and during different seasons to enhance honey production and sustain bee colonies.
A major attraction of the second day of the training programme was the practical
demonstration conducted by Dr. A. A. Mehta, Mr. Vinay Patil (Master Trainer in
Beekeeping), Mr. Nitin Patil (CEO and Beekeeper), and Mr. Jayprakash Bhandari
(Beekeeper). The farmers received hands-on exposure to beekeeping practices and bee
colony management. The demonstration enabled the participants to relate the theoretical
knowledge provided during the technical sessions to actual field-level practices.