KOHIMA, Dec 5: Nagaland Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM) organized the 6th Nagaland Honey Bee Day on 5th December 2024 at NBHM’s Multi Utility Center 6th Mile Sovima, Chümoukedima, under the theme BeeZ Vibes “Give bees a chance,” where Advisor to the Chief Minister & Chairman, Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha graced the program as a Special Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Metha stated that beekeeping is an ancient human practice that goes back thousands of years ago. Human beings discovered honeybees in the wild forest, discovered their attributes, its qualities, and also inculcated the habit of beekeeping. Honey is considered one of the most precious products, where 3000 years ago, the Egyptians kept the honey in the tomb for their sweet transaction afterlife; even after a thousand years, it doesn’t get spoiled, he said.
Today, as lifestyles change and as people become more modern conscious, honey has become a key and vital food. It’s not just food they consume that adds elements to their life but is also considered a superfood that does not contain any side effects apart from health benefits; many other qualities can be used for other external purposes like cosmetics, wax, crafts, etc., Metha added.
To enhance production, Metha suggested the use of technology to add value to our honey. He also suggested documenting the indigenous knowledge of beekeeping of our farmers for future generations. He said today, India is targeting to become the honey capital of the world, and at present the size of the honey economy in India is 3000 crores, and in 10 years it’s expected to cross 5000 crores, and even if we get 1 per cent of the industrial economy to Nagaland, it’s 30 crores and the scope and future of the the honey industry in Nagaland is enormous.
He also mentioned the contribution of honey to the ecosystem, its importance in how bees pollinate and contribute to the rich and vast ecosystem of the world, and he appealed to make efforts not only to preserve and protect them but also to spot the possibility of enhancement of our economy for a better life.
He also urged the students to understand the dynamics of beekeeping, the economic potential of beekeeping, how one can have a better life and career and at the same time contribute towards a healthy ecosystem of our environment. He further appealed to the young minds to be like a sponge and absorb as much knowledge as possible from the technical session because they are going to be our future leaders.
He congratulated the chairman and team leader of NBHM for developing a vibrant and out-of-the-box approach to marketing honey and creating opportunities for the farmers in Nagaland. Also thanked the farmers and assured them of full help from the government to improve and enhance their beekeeping. He also congratulated the department for making efforts to set up the first Honey Museum in the Northeast and introducing the concept of honey tourism to tourists outside the state and the storytelling process of honey in Nagaland.
In his keynote address, Agriculture Production Commissioner & Mission Director, NBHM, Wezope Kenye, IAS, said that Nagaland was the first state to have launched a dedicated mission in the year 2007 for the promotion of beekeeping and honey activities in the country to create a conducive environment for enhancing the existing potentials through technology reach and beekeeping development interventions. Nagaland is also the first state in the country to have decided to declare the 5th of December of every year as the ‘Nagaland Honey Bee Day’ through a cabinet approval in the year 2017, and since then NBHM has organized and celebrated ‘Nagaland Honey Bee Day’ annually.
He expressed that NBHM chose a theme to send out a strong message for the upcoming ‘Z’ generation of youngsters to give the bees a chance. The theme aims to instil a sense of curiosity and sensitize young people on the importance of honeybees and beekeeping. At the same time, with a vision to inspire young people to be bee lovers and encourage them to take up beekeeping as an appealing activity for economic and ecological benefits as laid down in NBHM’s motto “eco bee.”
Further highlighted that, since its inception in 2007, NBHM has trained over 25,000 beekeepers across 500 villages. Their efforts have increased our state’s honey production to approximately 440 metric tonnes per year. However, it aims higher with a target of 2000 metric tonnes by 2030. He informed that, this year, NBHM introduced ‘Bee Tourism’ during the Hornbill Festival. Visitors experienced firsthand traditional beekeeping practices, especially in Mima village, known as the ‘Honey Village.’ This initiative not only promotes our culture but also boosts the local economy, he said.
Highlights of the program include a welcome address by Sentiwapang Aier, Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister, & Team Leader, NBHM. Chairman’s address by Obed Quinker, Chairman, Nagaland Beekeeping & Honey Mission. Experience sharing by Menolhoukho Khate Peren District and Medoneizo Putsure CEO Jome Foods Pvt Ltd. The resource persons of the the technical session were Temjenchuba K Char; Letgong Patrick and Nzanbemo K Lotha where they gave a presentation on the topic “Overview of Beekeeping” with special reference to Nagaland; the importance of bees, beekeeping & honey; and the scope of beekeeping in Nagaland, respectively.
Earlier, Advisor, Abu Metha released Apinews as well as launched the website Marketing of ‘Nagaland Honey’ in collaboration with the social commerce venture http://www.otipy.com.
District-level awards for best Beekeeper 2024 were Yansomong Sangphur Village, Shamator; Neikeyiekho, Kacharigaon Village, Dimapur; Mantok Phom, Orangkong Village, Longleng; Samuel Semy, Terogvuny Village, Tseminyu; Shiying, Lengnyu, Noklak; G. Kiyekhe Zhimomi, Ghokuto, Niulan; K P Sangte, Monyakshu, Mon; Khekato Jimomi, Satakha Old, Zunheboto; Zanao Yanthan, Elumyo, Wokha; Namang Wongto, Chingmei, Tuensang; Vikuolie Keyientsu, Rusoma, Kohima; P. Cheshmew, Ohuvkiu, Kiphire; Menolhoukho Khate, Punglwa Peren; Dr. Sentiwati Aier, Yisemyong, Mokokchung; and Ruvicato Siria, Ruaogema, Chumoukedima
S. Keoshu Yimchunger, Advisor, Youth Resource and Sports; Nuzota Swuro, Chairman, NBDA; Kuputo Shohe, Chairman NSMDC; DC, Chumoukedima and Dimapur also attended the program. (DIPR)