Nagaland: Visually impaired ‘Miracle Beekeeper’ of Leankonger inspires at NBHM training

During the scientific beekeeping training programmes conducted under the National Bee Board–National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBB-NBHM) from January 19–27, 2026, an inspiring story stood out—that of Tsangmong, a 37-year-old visually impaired apiarist from Leankonger Village, Shamator district, fondly referred to by the technical team as the “Miracle Beekeeper.”
Blind since childhood due to illness, Tsangmong began his beekeeping journey nearly five years ago without formal training. Drawing inspiration from fellow villagers, he taught himself apiculture through persistence and experimentation. Using locally available materials, he constructs semi-traditional handmade bee boxes and independently manages his colonies.
His first colony was formed when a natural swarm settled near his home, which he identified through sound and carefully transferred into a box. Despite slow initial progress, his determination yielded results. Today, he maintains four active colonies and produces multiple honey harvests annually. Remarkably, he determines harvesting time by lifting the boxes and judging their weight, relying on touch and experience rather than sight.
His journey reflects the inclusive potential of apiculture, demonstrating that scientific beekeeping can empower individuals across abilities and circumstances while strengthening rural livelihoods.
During the training programme at Leankonger Village, Shamator district, SDO (Civil) Bodi Kapfo handed over a scientific bee box to Tsangmong in the presence of Dr. Mary N. Odyuo, principal investigator, and Dr. Avinash Chauhan, Co-PI.
It may be noted that intensive training and demonstration programmes on scientific beekeeping were conducted across Eastern Nagaland districts under NBB-NBHM to strengthen farmer capacities, promote scientific apiculture practices, enhance livelihood opportunities and improve productivity in oilseed crops through organised beekeeping. The programme was funded by the National Bee Board (NBB), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, and implemented by the School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus.