Namsai, Mar 29: Fifteen trainees aged between 18-25 years benefitted from a Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) training on Wild Beekeeping & Processing concluded at Namsai based Arunachal University of Studies (AUS) on Tuesday. The training program was  conducted by the Arunachal ENVIS Hub Itanagar under Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of Arunachal Pradesh in collaboration with AUS Namsai. 

Speaking on the occasion, Rajesh S. Kumar, CCF, DoEF&CC, highlighted the need of green economy. He emphasized on improving economic resilience for different communities of the region. Arunachal Pradesh being an agrarian society can greatly benefit from wild beekeeping trade also being a high economic returns sector. Economic standards can be greatly improved by these sustainable livelihood initiatives while conserving the natural resources in a better manner. He encouraged the trainees to transfer the skills acquired in starting up micro green business in their locality through community based on self help groups and such units can be tied up with SRLM and NABARD for promoting such sustainable and conservation activities as means of livelihood. 

AUS Vice Chancellor Prof.B. Mohan Kumar informed that almost 30% increase in productivity of field crops has been seen by bee pollination. However, the increasing pollination deficit has been a growing problem for agriculturists. The deficit can only be controlled by enhancing efforts in beekeeping at a much larger scale, he said.

Director Environment and ENVIS Coordinator, Dui Dohu Robin in his inaugural speech congratulated those who completed the 200 Hrs training Course and encouraged active participation of the youths. He asserted that this is an initiative of MoEF&CC GoI to develop skilled manpower in Forestry & Environment sector.After certification the trainees can become the trainer in their communities and promote beekeeping in a much impactful manner. Such green skill development programs will be further encouraged by the government for the betterment of the local community and growth of agricultural sector. He further stated that Green Skill Development is one of the key strategies under Pakke Declaration 2047 on Climate Resilient and responsive development adopted by Arunachal Pradesh.

Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary  DFO, Chestha Singh expressed her happiness for the various skill based training programs being conducted at AUS for the development of local youths. These trainings will help youths in improving the natural ecosystem by creating awareness regarding apiculture and to become future entrepreneur, she said.

Present on the occasion, Dr. Rani Jha, Project Director and Director of Science & Technology at AUS highlighted the efforts of AUS in linking classroom education with practical skill based training programmes. The use of local resources in creating sustainable job opportunities especially in the North-Eastern Region of Arunachal Pradesh is one of the prime focus areas. The trainees of the GSDP programme were encouraged to utilise the knowledge gained during the training program to develop and become entrepreneur.