On January 12, 2017 the Workshop on beekeeping and honey production perspective development was conducted for beekeepers from villages in Khizi region of Azerbaijan. This workshop was funded from JICA Alumni Association budget in framework of JICA “Mini Grant Projects” allocated for Mr.Ramal Ahmadov, Chief Absheron Regional Division from Ministry of Economy, ex-participant of JICA KCCP on “Merchandize Branding and Marketing  by Utilizing Local Resources” conducted during 16  November- 6 December, 2014 in Japan. Mr.Ahamdov became a winner of Mini Grant projects competition in 2016, his project comprising of two components organization of workshop and printing of informative brochure and workshop materials was selected as a result of screening process among 17 project proposals.

The workshop on beekeeping included opening ceremony and three sessions.

In total 40 participants, beekeepers from Khizi region as well representatives from Khizi Region Agriculture department, Khizi region veterinary department, Region Sanitary – Epidemiological Station, Khizi region executive power, Ministry of Economy took part at the workshop on January 12, 2017.

Opening session was made by Mr.Ramal Ahamdov, JICA KCCP alumni. He made presentation on perspective of beekeeping development in Khizi region as well as shared his knowledge and experience in respect of merchandize branding and marketing acquired during the training in Japan. Then Ms.Nigar Ismaylova, JICA Program Coordinator in Azerbaijan, gave information in detail to workshop participants about the activities of Japan International Cooperation Agency in Azerbaijan.

The first session was presented by Head of Azerbaijan Beekeepers Association, invited lecturer and author of informative brochure Mr.Badaraddin Hasratov. He delivered presentations to farmers of Khizi region who is interesting to extend their own backyard beekeeping operation and those who want to learn more about apiculture and the maintenance of honeybee colonies. Lecturer informed workshop participants that maintaining a honeybee colony allows collecting honey and other products the hive produces, including beeswax, propolis, pollen and royal jelly. Participants learned about beehive structure, bee species, pest management, emergency preparedness. 

The second session were presented by Mr.Rashad Rashidov, owner of “Balli” company, who gave information about advantages of marketing and branding in promoting honey and bees products to the local markets.  The third sessions were devoted to questions and answers. In three sessions beekeepers exchanged the views and new innovation activities in beekeeping sphere.

The brochure published under this Mini Grant Project is all about beekeeping and is designed to help hobbyists become successful beekeepers focusing on honey bee biology, how to get started, and how to manage bee colonies for fun and profit. Sections include information on the colony and its organization, beekeeping equipment, how to start with bees, colony management, how to manage maladies, honey production and processing, pollination, and handling beeswax and pollen trapping.

Three ex-participants of JICA KCCP from Ministry of Economy were invited to the workshop.

  1. Mr.Vusal Garayev, Chief Adviser, Industry /Manufacturing, participant of KCCP (Young Leaders) for Central Asian Caucasus Countries Economic Administration (Industrial Development and Promotion) Course, November 16 – December 3, 2016 in JICA Chubu,
  2. Mr.Zamin Badirkhanov, Head of Industry Division, participant of Industrial Technology Education to be held in Japan in from September 29 – November 12, 2016 in JICA Chubu and
  3. Mr.Anar Allahverdiyev, Head Adviser, participant of KCCP on Endogenous Regional Economic Development Utilizing Local Recourses, October 22 – November 22, 2014 in JICA Chubu.

This workshop offered educational presentations by area beekeepers, information and resources for joining local beekeeping associations and plenty of opportunities for networking. All three sessions of the workshop  were very informative and catered to a range of interests and knowledge. Workshop provided the opportunity to meet with other beekeepers and specialist, as well as to learn about JICA activities in Azerbaijan as well as in the framework of JICA mini grant projects for JICA Alumni Association.

Photos from workshop

 

Mr.Ramal Ahmadov opening speech

 

During the workshop

Mr.Badaraddin Hasratov presentation

Group photo with ex-participants of JICA KCCP

Mr.Rashad Rashidov presentation

Workshop materials