On December 14, 2023, the AICRP on Honey Bees and Pollinators at RARS (SZ), Vellayani, hosted a one-day intensive training program on bee breeding. This specialized workshop was designed for postgraduate and doctoral students, along with faculty members from the Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. Dr. Anith K. N., the Associate Director of Research at RARS (SZ), Vellayani, inaugurated the event with an insightful presidential address.
The main facilitator of the training was Dr. Shibu K. Raj, an Information Technology Director from Tennessee, United States, who is also recognized for his expertise in bee breeding. The session primarily focused on Indian bee instrumental insemination, offering the trainees a unique and hands-on learning experience. A significant portion of the training was dedicated to mastering controlled mating procedures, a critical component in cultivating honey bee stocks with optimal characteristics. Such procedures are complex and necessitate the use of specialized equipment.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in practical exercises, gaining familiarity with various tools essential in bee breeding, such as microscopes, insemination instruments, and techniques for semen collection and the insemination of queen bees. By the end of the program, attendees had not only acquired a comprehensive understanding of honey bee instrumental insemination but had also developed foundational skills in this intricate field.
