MANUU celebrates International Day of Biodiversity

The Botany section of School of Sciences, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) celebrated International Day of Biodiversity 2021 by holding a webinar “Honey Bee in the Nature” yesterday. The theme of Biodiversity Day 2021 was “We are part of the Solution for Nature”

            The guest speaker, Mr. Ravindra Kumar Pydi, Director of Api culture Technology Centre of National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), Hyderabad delivered an informative talk on the diversity of honey Bee and the Products of Honey bee like Royal Jelly, Bee Pollen, Bee wax, propolin and Venom. He also explained the techniques of honey bee keeping.  He focused on the medicinal importance of honey which not only act as Immune booster but also have potential properties of antimicrobial, anti cancerous, Antioxidant, anti inflammatory and so on.  He also highlighted on the five day training program on Bee keeping being organized by NIRD, Hyderabad.  These kind of training progammes especially for women entrepreneurs are very much useful, he said.

            Prof Parveen Jahan, Dean, School of Sciences while congratulating the botany section for selecting this topic emphasized the need to preserve the species which are on the verge of extinction. Every individual has capacity to contribute at least a small thing to Environment, she said.  Further, quoting verses of Surah-al-Nahl from Holy Quran she said Honey has a special significance as the Holy Quran denotes it as cure for mankind.

            Earlier, Dr. S. Maqbool Ahmed, Associate Professor of Botany & Convener webinar highlighted the objectives of the webinar and said how honey bee play important role in pollination. He stressed on ensuring food security, sustainable agriculture and Biodiversity. Also spoke about how honey bees significantly contribute in pollination and in crop yield. He also asked the dean to start skill based certificate or diploma courses in Bee Keeping at MANUU which is not only job oriented but also one can earn money by developing their own business by marketing honey bee products.

            An interactive session was also held after the lecture. Students, research scholars from MANUU and other Universities including Osmania University, Nizam college, Vanita mahavidyala  etc. participated in the webinar. The Assistant Professors of Botany - Dr. Ira Khan introduced the guest speaker and Dr. Merajul Islam Robab proposed vote of thanks.