WE THE PEOPLE
Honey production on decline due to gradual decay of bee-colonies in Kashmir
Hence people urge SKUAST Scientists to adopt measures to control disease and boost honey production.
By: Mirror News Service
Srinagar: Kashmir has earned name and fame at International Forums due to honey. The experts have all along been certifying of its being the best quality with proper composition. But it is unfortunate that out of 40,000 bee colonies registered with the Department of Agriculture, more than 20,000 colonies have got perished because of mite disease. It is learnt that vorrea mite has caused the crushing blow to the Apiculture industry in the State. It is further learnt that honey production has gone down by 72 per cent in the Valley while 90 per cent of the bee colonies have got vanished. This is a dismal scenario which needs remedial measures on war-footing basis.
According to a survey conducted by an impartial agency, there are only 10064 bee colonies in the private sector registered with the Kashmir Agricultural Department while there were 11375 last year. The Agriculture Department is also having 164 bee colonies of its own. The survey has further revealed that the disease spread in the Valley 2003, but the concerned Department did not come out with any specific remedy to the situation. Had timely intervention been made, things would not have gone out of control. No doubt, the concerned Department prescribed some remedies, but could not eradicate the disease and curb the menace. It would have been better that the Department should have referred the issue to the scientists of the SKUAST who are engaged in different research programmes. Pertinent to mention that the SKUAST was created with the purpose of undertaking researches on different issues concerning Agriculture, Horticulture and Apiculture. We have a good pool of scientists available in the said University and as such their knowledge could have been utilized to over come the ugly situation.
“In olden times, we were unaware of the scientific knowledge and techniques, but were placed in a better position. The age-old methodology used to stand in good stead and we would produce honey in abundance. The quality of honey was of high standard and Hakeem’s would usually prescribe honey to treat various diseases. It is a fact that the honey has historical and religious background and people have faith of its being a panacea to treat various ailments. The modern technology has also proved its magic effect on several diseases. A house having bee-hives would be considered as a holy house in the area and no one would disturb the bees. But it is learnt that the disease has been imported by the bee hive keepers, who have been visiting different parts of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh during winter months. A detailed probe conducted by some experts has confirmed this theory and they believe that it will take some time to treat the disease. But one thing is certain that apathetic attitude of the officials of Agriculture Department has allowed the disease to thrive in the Valley. This has caused a severe set-back to the business of the concerned community. Had the concerned officials been vigilant and discharging their official obligations properly, the ugly situation would have been brought under control immediately after eruption of the disease in the Valley. We have to remember that it is not only the financial aspect of the problem, but it involves our reputation in the world market. There are already some fake agencies that have been mixing sugar with some substance to present the product as honey in different parts of India. They are not aware of the fact that the honey has its original sugar content which cannot be substituted by any other substance”, said a group of honey-dealers of Kashmir Valley.
It is worth mentioning that the Apiculture Industry has been providing employment to thousands of people in the Valley. The spread of the disease has forced many people to close down their concerns, rendering thereby a big chunk of young and energetic people jobless. This has further brought the industry into disrepute which is a very unhealthy scenario. The Government must involve scientists of SKUAST and the Agriculture Department to address the problem with a sense of seriousness so that the disease is controlled and Industry allowed thriving in the best possible manner.
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