By The World Ambassador
TWA
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A seminar was organized in connection of the World Bee Day Celebrations 2025 at the Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) here on Friday by the Department of Entomology with an aim to create awareness about importance of bees in pollination, as a source of honey and other products like wax, royal jelly etc.
The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including renowned experts, government and private sector representatives, professional beekeepers, faculty members, and students. The seminar focused on the ecological and economic importance of bees and the urgent need for research and collaborative initiatives in the field of beekeeping.
The speakers stressed the need to conduct research on various aspects of beekeeping. They added that survival of bees actually ensures the existence and survival of the mankind. They also told about habitat conservation (bee flora) for bees and other pollinators. Speakers encouraged the private sector to come forward and develop joint initiatives for promotion of beekeeping for agricultural purposes.
Prof. Dr. Tariq Mukhtar, Dean Faculty of Agriculture, called for capacity building of professionals and beekeepers to produce good quality honey. He asked the faculty members to develop some good projects impacting the future market needs. He added that Potohar, Hazara region, northern areas and AJK had a great potential in promoting beekeeping.
Dr. Asif Aziz, focal person of this seminar, extended a warm welcome to all the participants and briefly explained the objectives of the seminar. He briefed the participants about bee potential in pollinating the agricultural crops and ongoing activities of the department in this regard.
A key highlight of the day was the inauguration of the Bee Research Window and Bee Entrepreneurship Window, which aim to support innovation and enterprise in apiculture. The event also featured a poster competition on World Bee Day themes, showcasing the creativity and awareness of university students.
Participants and guests visited various stalls outside the seminar hall, where beekeepers exhibited their products and demonstrated modern beekeeping equipment.
The seminar concluded with the distribution of certificates to the winners of the poster competition and to all participants and organizers in recognition of their contributions.
