Nagaland Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM) organised the 6th Nagaland Honey Bee Day at NBHM’s Multi Utility Centre, 6th Mile Sovima, Chümoukedima District here Thursday on the theme “Beez vibes: Give bees a chance”.
Delivering keynote address at the programme, agriculture production commissioner (APC) and NBHM mission director Wezope Kenye stated that NBHM since its inception has trained over 25,000 beekeepers in 500 villages increasing honey production to 440 metric tonnes annually with a goal of 2,000 metric tonnes by 2030. He said that since its inception, there has been increased of honey production in the state.
Kenye stated that Nagaland was the first state in country to launch a dedicated mission for promoting beekeeping and honey production in 2007 and declared December 5 as ‘Nagaland Honey Bee Day’ in 2017.
He said Kenya said that ‘Nagaland Honey Bee Day’ coincides with the Hornbill Festival, offering an opportunity to promote the state’s beekeeping traditions and unique honey to a global audience while boosting bee tourism.
Kenye said that by introducing “Bee Tourism,” especially in Mima village, also known as the “Honey Village,” NBHM has combined traditional practices with economic and cultural promotion, emphasizing sustainability and ecological benefits.
Calling upon the youth to embrace beekeeping, the mission director highlighted its economic and ecological benefits. He expressing gratitude to beekeepers and the NBHM team for their transformative efforts.
Advisor to CM & IDAN chairman Abu Metha, who graced the programme as special guest, underscored the significance of beekeeping as an ancient practice that has stood the test of time.
Citing importance of honey’s versatility and health benefits, Metha urged the audience to preserve indigenous beekeeping knowledge while leveraging modern technology to enhance production and value addition.
IDAN chairman also cited scientific warnings about the catastrophic consequences of bee extinction, reinforcing the need for conservation.
Metha lauded NBHM’s efforts, its innovative approaches, effective marketing strategies, and initiatives like honey tourism. He also appreciated the mission for empowering farmers, promoting Nagaland honey across India.
Highlights of the programme included release of Apinews and Marketing of ‘Nagaland Honey’ in collaboration with social commerce venture http://www.otipy.com by special guest.
NBHM team leader Neilazono Terhuja gave away district level award for best beekeeper to 16 beekeepers who have contributed towards promoting the tradition of beekeeping.
Experience on beekeeping were shared by Menolhoukho Khate from Peren district and Medoneizo Putsure CEO Jome Foods Pvt Ltd.
Earlier, Nukmen Baptist Arogo, Darogapathar pastor Kilang Longkumer, offered invocation, NBHM team leader and additional secretary Sentiwapang Aier delivered welcome address and Nagaland Beekeeping & Honey Mission, chairman Obed Quinker gave chairman’s address.
vote of thanks was proposed by NBHM deputy team leader Khuvozoyi Vese. Technical session was organised after the inaugural programme.