World Bee Day: Resolution passed for the conservation of bees

Deforestation, climate change and use of pesticides hurting beekeeping

ISLAMABAD: While bees and other pollinators play an important role in keeping the planet healthy and are essential to the ecosystem, the species is at risk of extinction due to loss of habitat, increasing use of pesticides and climate change. The UN last year declared May 20 as World Bee Day to focus on the pollinators’ role in ecosystem.

Following the UN declaration, the World Bee Day was celebrated for the first time around the globe on May 20. In Pakistan, a seminar was organised by the Honeybee Research Institute (HBRI) and the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) on Tuesday. At the seminar a resolution regarding the conservation of bees and promotion of bee flora in Pakistan was passed by all the participants of the event. Furthermore, participants spoke about the importance and relevance of bees to the ecosystem and agriculture.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sarfraz Ahmad of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) emphasised on improving and strengthening the honey analysis laboratories to ensure their quality and keep a check on pesticide residues in honey. He also focused on increasing the honey export of Pakistan by reaching out to the EU markets.

Aftab Ahmad, a beekeeper from Hasan Abdal, shared the problems of the beekeeping community at the seminar. He highlighted major issues such as deforestation, indiscriminate use of pesticides, climate change effects as well as bee colony problems.

NARC Director General Dr Ghulam Muhammad Ali called for more research on pollination, mites and disease control, quality queen breeding and honey analysis. He said NARC was working to promote beekeeping in Pakistan.

Dr Fazale Bari, a representative of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, also spoke at the event emphasizing on the importance of bees while highlighting that they are an essential component of the ecosystem as well as world’s agriculture and food security. Moreover, a documentary in this regard was also screened.

An exhibition related to honey and honeybees was also part of the event, while a walk was also held to highlight the issue.

Agricultural production heavily reliant on bees

Meanwhile, in order to create awareness regarding the importance of bees in pollination and as a source of honey and other products like wax, pollen and royal jelly etc. a seminar was arranged on Tuesday at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR).

The participants were informed about habitat conservation (bee flora) for bees and other pollinators. PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Sarwat N Mirza while speaking at the ceremony stated that survival of bees actually ensures the existence and survival of mankind; a large percentage of the global food supply is pollinated by bees. In his address he urged the participants to conduct research on various aspects of beekeeping as this activity augments and ensures pollination in variety of fruits and vegetables. Furthermore he encouraged the private sector to develop joint initiatives for promotion of Bees in the agricultural system.

Faculty of Crop and food Sciences Dean Prof Dr Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi urged to enhance the capacity of the professionals and bee-keepers to produce good quality honey. He added that Pothwar, Harzara region, Northern Areas and AJK have a great potential in promoting Beekeeping for more pollination and quality honey production.

Dr Asif Aziz, the Focal person of this seminar, delivered a presentation on prospects of bee keeping in Pakistan and shared ongoing bee keeping activities at PMAS-AAUR. Agriculture Department Rawalpindi Dr Asif Rafique briefed the participants about bee potential in pollinating the agricultural crops and ongoing activities of the Department in this regard. Dr Asim Gulzar gave a presentation on the role of Bumble Bees in controlled agricultural environments like tunnels, glass houses, green houses and the hydroponics systems.

With additional input from APP 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 23^rd, 2018.