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