In a significant step to promote modern agricultural practices and strengthen rural livelihoods, Member of the Legislative Assembly from Banihal, Sajjad Shaheen, along with Chief Agriculture Officer Ramban Dr Vinay Kumar flagged off a delegation of progressive beekeepers for a five-day exposure tour to Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The tour has been organised by the Agriculture Department Ramban under the Promotion of Commercial Floriculture Capex 2025-26 as part of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme. The delegation comprising 20 progressive beekeepers from Banihal constituency will undergo specialised training sessions at Punjab Agricultural University. The programme aims to familiarise farmers with modern apiculture techniques including honey extraction, royal jelly, bee venom and pollen production, as well as marketing and quality control measures. Dr. Vinay Kumar, Chief Agriculture Officer Ramban said, “This exposure tour will help our farmers adopt scientific and sustainable methods in beekeeping. Experts will train them in advanced techniques that can improve both production and income.” MLA Sajjad Shaheen said that beekeeping has emerged as a promising source of livelihood in Banihal, with more than 500 families of District Ramban directly engaged in honey production. He stressed the need to expand this sector through scientific support and regular training. Sajjad Shaheen, MLA Banihal said, “Such initiatives are vital to strengthen the rural economy. By adopting modern practices, our farmers can enhance both the quality and market value of honey from this region.” Progressive farmers of Banihal expressed their gratitude to the Government and Agriculture Department for this first-ever initiative dedicated to supporting beekeepers and promoting honey production in the area. The exposure visit is expected to empower local farmers with scientific knowledge, helping Banihal emerge as a key hub for quality honey production in the Chenab Valley.