Awantipora, October 16: A two-day National Level Seminar on “Scientific Honey
Beekeeping Integrated with Oilseed Mission” commenced today at the Innovation Campus of
the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora. The event sponsored
by Ni-MSME Hyderabad brings together experts, policymakers, researchers, and
entrepreneurs to explore the scientific, economic, and entrepreneurial dimensions of
apiculture and its integration with the National Oilseed Mission.
The inaugural session was graced by Javid Ahmad Dar, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture
Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments,
Government of Jammu and Kashmir, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion. He
appreciated IUST’s initiatives in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly
through programs that link science and technology to socio-economic development. The
Hon’ble Minister also visited the i-Factory Lab, Design and Development Lab, Fab Lab, and
Ultratech Cement Lab and assured his full support to the university’s innovation-led
initiatives aimed at advancing agri-tech development.
The event was presided over by Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST, who
emphasized the economic and ecological importance of beekeeping in enhancing agricultural
productivity, biodiversity conservation, and improving rural livelihoods. Highlighting IUST’s
innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, he reiterated the university’s commitment to
translating ideas into impactful solutions. He noted that the region’s rich biodiversity and
favourable climate provide ideal conditions for high-quality honey production, making
beekeeping a high-value livelihood with strong potential for export-oriented MSME growth
Prof. Vikas Nanda, Professor at the Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology
(SLIET), Punjab, spoke about recent advances in apiculture research and how technological
interventions can improve honey quality and production efficiency. Prof. Zafar U. Ahmad,
Founder and CEO of the Academy for Global Business Advancement (AGBA), Washington
D.C., stressed the need for branding, quality enhancement, and international promotion of
Kashmiri honey to make it a globally recognized product.
Prof. A. H. Moon, Dean Academic Affairs, appreciated the relevance of the seminar in
linking research with practice. The program was also attended by Prof. Abdul Wahid
Makhdoomi, Registrar; Deans, Directors, faculty members, and students of IUST, as well as a
large number of beekeepers from different districts of Kashmir.
Earlier, welcoming the guests, Prof. Parvez A. Mir, CEO, CIED-IUST Foundation,
highlighted the activities of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development
(CIED) and its role in promoting skill-based and sustainable enterprises. The program
proceedings were coordinated by Dr. Ruheela Hassan, Dean Outreach, IUST.
