Nagaland University distributes bee colonies to farmers

The School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University (SAS, NU), Medziphema campus, organised an input distribution programme on December 9, as part of the ongoing project “Quality nucleus stock development, training and demonstration among farmers and project sites”, funded by the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) scheme, ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, government of India.
Farmers from Medziphema, Sirhima, Sirhi-Angami and Hekeshe villages attended the programme, during which they received bee colonies. The distribution marked the first phase of the initiative with training and demonstration sessions to follow, aimed at teaching farmers the scientific methods of multiplying and managing quality nucleus stock.
A press release by NU PRO, informed that addressing the gathering, SAS NU, Dean, Prof. Pauline Alila, praised the farmers for their enthusiasm and active participation in university-led programmes and emphasized that receiving bee colonies carries the responsibility of nurturing and multiplying them, urging farmers to view beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood option.
NU Medziphema campus, Pro Vice-Chancellor (in-charge), Prof. K.K. Jha, highlighted the broader benefits of beekeeping, noting its role not only in honey production but also in enhancing pollination and boosting agricultural productivity.
The principal investigator, Dr. Mary N. Odyuo, associate professor, along with the Co-PI Dr. Avinash Chauhan, scientist AICRP on honey bees & pollinators, expressed gratitude to colleagues and beneficiaries for their support and cooperation in making the programme a success. They reiterated the crucial role of bees in sustaining ecosystems and the potential of quality nucleus stock development to build profitable and resilient agri-enterprises.