Balqa, Aug. 17 (Petra) -- The National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) hosted a specialized training course in beekeeping, organized by the Jordanian Beekeepers Union with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The five-day program brought together 20 beekeepers from the governorates of Jerash, Ajloun, and Balqa, featuring 25 hours of theoretical instruction and practical field work. Participants received hands-on training in establishing apiaries, hive management, seasonal care, disease and pest control, queen rearing, and the production of honey and other hive products.

NARC Acting Director General Zakaria Muslim said hosting the workshop aligns with the center's mission to transfer scientific knowledge and technical expertise to the field while building capacity across the agricultural sector.

Muslim highlighted the critical role of beekeeping in supporting agricultural output, boosting food security, and preserving biodiversity. He noted that NARC has trained more than 1,000 beekeepers in recent years alongside its ongoing research, technical assistance, and extension services.

Moath Kutham, head of the Jordanian Beekeepers Union, praised the partnership with NARC for delivering targeted training that addresses the practical needs of local farmers, adding that combining classroom learning with field applications enables participants to immediately apply new skills to their apiaries.

Project Coordinator Sajeda Saqallah stated that support from the UN agency forms part of its broader programs designed to empower beekeepers, help them expand their businesses, and improve operational efficiency using modern technical standards.

//Petra// AF