Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari emphasised that relying solely on conventional agriculture is insufficient for farmers prosperity. Instead, integrating agriculture with allied enterprises is key to achieving true economic growth and increasing agricultural productivity. Gadkari was speaking at the inaugural session of a workshop on “Integrated Scientific Beekeeping under the National Oilseed Mission”, held on the first day of the Agrovision 2025 agricultural expo at the grounds of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University on Friday. Gadkari further said that India has vast forest resources, and if agriculture is linked with forest-based allied enterprises, farmers as well as tribal communities can experience real development.

 

The event featured several experts on the dais, including National Beekeeping Board Director General Dr Ashutosh Murkute, retired officer and beekeeping expert Sanjay Marne, National Institute MSME’s Dr Shirish Kulkarni, Dr Shrikant Sharma, and Dr CD Mayee. Sanjay Marne highlighted that bees play a crucial role in both the lives and livelihoods of farmers. Nearly 75% of crops survive, thanks to the bees. Dr. Kulkarni stated that he has nominated honey as a superfood and noted that beekeeping is a transformative enterprise requiring minimal investment and labour. Dr Kolhe said that beekeeping yields not just honey but several other valuable products used in food, pharma and cosmetics. Vikas Kshirsagar pointed out that climate and environmental variations directly affect bee colonies. Hence, proper management is essential maintaining optimal temperature, ensuring adequate food supply and taking consistent care of the hives.