Nagaland Minister for PWD (housing & mechanical) Tongpang Ozukum inaugurated the office of Mima Bee Keepers’ Union (MBKU)-cum-Honey Shop at Mima village, here on Tuesday.
Speaking at the follow up programme at Apiarian Park, Tongpang encouraged the villagers to rear bees for their livelihood and economic stability.
He expressed appreciation on the new honey shop and also suggested that a similar shop be opened in Kohima town for which he assured support.
Encouraging the bee-keepers of Mima village to work in unity for promotion of Mima honey as a trademark product of the village and also of the state, the minister urged upon the villagers to emulate the bees and help spread good things around them. He further assured to extend all possible support to the village through their local representative and advisor Medo Yhokha.
Also speaking at the function, advisor for horticulture & border affairs, Mhathung Yanthan said as a honey village, Mima was a cradle of honey in Nagaland as it was one of the pioneers of beekeeping in the state.
He said the village was part of the honey map in the state and also the country especially for their underground bee keeping practice which he added was a huge attraction.
Mhathung stressed on improvising beekeeping technology and said horticulture department had taken beekeeping in mission mode and that the Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission started because of Mima village.
He expressed appreciation on the formation of Mima Bee Keepers’ Union (MBKU) and encouraged them to improve the quality and value addition while also maintaining a hygienic rearing process.
Advisor for elections and technical education, Medo Yhokha who was also present at the function encouraged the villagers to continue maintaining the trademark of being a honey village. Other dignitaries present included minister for tribal affairs and higher education Temjen Imna Along, advisor for youth resources & sports, Zale Neikha, T Yangseo Sangtam, MLA, and NDPP general secretary, Ekyimo Kikon.
The programme was chaired by Medolhou Pfukha while Christian Revival Church pastor, Kho-o Pfukha invoked God’s blessings. MBKU chairman, Khriesavilie Khamo gave the introductory note and advisor, Adu Livi proposed the vote of thanks.