BAHA — The Beekeepers Cooperative Association has set up an institute in Al-Baha to train future beekeepers, according to the association's executive president Ahmad Al-Ghamdi. "The international institute is under the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation and is approved by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development. The programs offered at the institute are accredited by academics in the field. The Beekeepers Cooperative Association conducted a study in cooperation with King Saud University's Bees Research Chair Abdullah Buqshan," he said. Al-Ghamdi said the study lasted three years and presented the need for an institute to train beekeepers to ensure that there are qualified and trained beekeepers in the Kingdom. "The institute aims to support current beekeepers by offering courses that enable them to hone their skills," said Al-Ghamdi. He said the institute would welcomes new trainees who wish to become beekeepers. The number of professional beekeepers in the Kingdom currently is very few. He said many beekeepers available in the Kingdom follow traditional and outdated methods. "They follow traditional methods and use outdated tools and equipment. Most of them are only concerned with gathering honey and completely neglect the bees. There are ways to manage beehives and bees to increase their productivity," said Al-Ghamdi. Honey is not the only benefit of growing bees, he said, adding that there are more than 12 other possible products. "The institute offers over 20 programs from beginner to advanced and specialized courses. It offers a series of courses and workshops varying in duration from one day to nine months," said Al-Ghamdi. He said the institute will announce its programs in the near future and will contact directorates such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Development Fund and charity organizations to encourage students to enroll.
