Shillong, July 22: The Meghalaya Farmers’ Empowerment Commission (MFEC) has trained beekeepers in scientific bee colony management to reduce colony losses and improve honey production.

The two-day training programme, organised in collaboration with the District Horticulture Office, West Khasi Hills, concluded at Nongstoin on Wednesday with participants receiving hands-on training in modern apiculture practices.

District Horticulture Officer E. Marbaniang, who inaugurated the programme, said scientific beekeeping not only enhances honey production but also improves crop pollination and creates sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers.

The training was led by Dr. Lakshmi Rao, Assistant Director of the Central Bee Research and Training Institute (CBRTI) and Honorary Technical Adviser to MFEC, along with Frankie Ryntathiang, Executive Assistant, MFEC.

Participants were trained on tackling key challenges such as bee colony losses, absconding, swarming, diseases, pests and predators, besides learning about honeybee biology, seasonal colony management and scientific techniques for disease prevention and colony health monitoring.

Beekeepers and farmers from across West Khasi Hills attended the programme, which also featured practical demonstrations and interactive sessions.

Organisers said the initiative is expected to promote scientific apiculture, strengthen the capacity of local beekeepers and improve the sustainability and productivity of honey production in the district.