Rif Dimashq Hosts Specialized Training to Develop Beekeeping Sector

As part of the Syrian Ministry of Agriculture’s ongoing strategy to enhance the technical proficiency of its workforce and strengthen the agricultural sector, the Plant Protection Directorate launched a specialized training course on apiary management today, Sunday. The program is being held at the Damascus and Rif Dimashq Agriculture Directorate.
The launch event was attended by the Assistant Minister of Agriculture for Planning and Institutional Excellence, Bassel Al-Deiri, who emphasized the critical role that the beekeeping sector plays in supporting the local agricultural economy.
The training program, which will span five days, covers a comprehensive range of technical subjects essential for professionals in the industry. The curriculum begins with the fundamentals of beekeeping and the regulatory requirements for establishing new apiaries. It then progresses to modern techniques in hive management. Furthermore, the program includes dedicated workshops on the importance of cultivating bee pastures, seasonal beekeeping tasks throughout the year, and effective methods for harvesting hive products. The training also addresses the diagnostics and prevention of diseases and pests that impact bee colonies.
Iman Rustum, Head of the Bee and Silk Department at the Plant Protection Directorate, stated that the primary objective of this course is to elevate the technical capabilities of human resources. She noted that the program aims to prepare specialized teams capable of providing direct technical support and guidance to beekeepers across all Syrian provinces and regions. According to Rustum, the course features broad participation from local and international experts, as well as stakeholders in the beekeeping sector and various apiary owners, all aimed at exchanging expertise and fostering cooperation to improve the industry.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy implemented by the Syrian Ministry of Agriculture to advance the national beekeeping sector. The ministry’s comprehensive plan includes ambitious programs designed to introduce modern technologies and improve local bee breeds to increase overall productivity. Through these efforts, the ministry seeks to bolster food security, upgrade the infrastructure of beekeeping centers in the provinces, and organize bee pasturelands. Additionally, the ministry aims to encourage investment in honey production and other hive derivatives, thereby enhancing the contribution of the beekeeping sector to the Syrian national economy.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
