MUZAFFARABAD: A vibrant exhibition of honey from mountain bees and locally produced agricultural products was held in Dhirkot, a husbandry friendly town in Bagh district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), to highlight the region’s growing focus on sustainable beekeeping and agricultural practices, organisers said.

Arranged as an annual event by the Honeybee Farmers Association in collaboration with the AJK Agriculture Department and a non-governmental organisation - Help in Need - the exhibition featured approximately 100 stalls showcasing honey and honeycombs, alongside 50 stalls displaying other local agricultural produce.

According to the Association’s president Raja Mahtab Ashraf, they had been organising the event for the past seven years.

He said the Association comprised around 200 members, each maintaining 10 to 20 hives, with some managing as many as 50.

“Active members receive technical training, hive bodies, honey extractors, and support for packaging and branding from Help in Need, enabling them to improve their practices and products,” Mr Ashraf said.

Last year, honey sales from the area amounted to Rs 50 million, and this year’s sales, according to him, are projected to reach the Rs 60 million mark.

A formal ceremony marked the opening of the exhibition, with Poonch Divisional Commissioner Sardar Waheed Khan as the chief guest and Help in Need CEO Muhammad Hamid presiding.

Other prominent guests included Agriculture Department’s Director General Malik Amir, Research Director Zafar Jahangir, and Senior Scientific Officer from the National Agriculture Research Council (NARC), Ghulam Sarwar.

Commending the initiative, Commissioner Khan said it was the right of the public to benefit from government departments because they had been established for the very service.

“We encourage Help in Need and the Agriculture Department to replicate such events in other parts of Poonch division, with full support from the administration,” he said.

DG Amir maintained that his department’s role was to provide technical support and advice to farmers but they must take ownership of their work.

“We aim to strengthen people’s connection to their land and will continue to provide all possible technical assistance,” he assured.

Mr Sarwar praised the exhibition and extended an open invitation to farmers to access NARC for any information or support related to honey and beekeeping.

CEO Hamid lauded the dedication and enthusiasm of the local community and attributed the event’s success to their efforts.

At the close of the ceremony, cash prizes were awarded to the top three beekeepers and three agricultural stallholders for their exceptional performance and presentation.

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2024