The 4th Nagaland Honey Bee Day 2022 was held on 5th December, at NBHM, Multi-utility Centre 6th Mile, Chumoukedima, organized by Nagaland Beekeeping & Honey Mission.
APC & Mission Director Nagaland Beekeeping & Honey Mission, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS, in his address, stated that Nagaland is a blessed land, a land untouched by the green revolution. It's a fertile land where everything is grown organically and even if we throw a seed in an open space, the seed would grow into a plant.
He pointed out that in Nagaland, with no potential for large and medium-based industries, the agro-based industry is the only potential option. Blessed with agro-climatic conditions, there is a huge potential for beekeeping missions in the State, he said. He expressed his happiness that over the years many achievements and activities were undertaken by NBHM and Nagaland is now top in beekeeping and honey missions in the whole NE of India, whether it be in quality or quantity. Also, it has become a place where University students from other NE States come for research, and officials go out to other States for training.
Sema mentioned that the development of NBHM in the State has acted as a catalyst for other NE States to follow suit by establishing similar independent bee-keeping missions and it's a great opportunity for the nagas to plan out, not to shy away but come forward in promoting beekeeping. With State's favorable climatic conditions and biodiversity, it will not only promote sustainable livelihoods but also employment opportunities. Hence, Sema encouraged officers to come up with innovations, a way of transforming traditional to modern and scientific method way of beekeeping, as with modern method it will harvest more honey and multiply more bee colonies and also sustainable livelihoods.
Further, he pointed out that, with the potential of 10942 fertile lands, 66% of the land is potential for beekeeping. The Production can enhance to 10,000 mt of honey and 10 mt of bee wax if the area of 10942 sq km was utilized properly. He also expressed that the vision of the state is to produce 4 lakh bee colonies scientifically. If State can achieve this vision, it would be able to earn around 100 crore. Currently around 440 mt per year is been harvested, so if 195 mt should be added every year then it will achieve the target and vision. Sema said that to achieve this, Beekeeping should not be concentrated only in particular designated areas but should be preached its benefits and economic prosperity in every nook and corner of the state.
Further, he lamented that there is such a huge demand for Nagaland honey but our State is not able to meet the demand due to poor marketing. He said that Government is doing its best for sustainable livelihoods and to create employment opportunities for our people and everyone needs to give effort and support.
The programme was chaired by Agriculture Officer & Team Member NBHM, Bokali A Chikhe. Short speech by Central Institute of Horticulture, Dr. Moasisang Longkumer. Success stories were presented by VDVK Chukitong, Wokha, Shancholo Ezong, and Progressive Beekeeper, Bade Village, Medopoyi. A vote of thanks was delivered by Deputy team leader, NBHM, Khuvozoyi Vetse. Followed by the planting of Bee Foraging plants and a visit to Exhibition stalls by APC & Mission Director Nagaland Beekeeping Honey Mission, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS & Dignitaries.
(Tovikali, IA Chumoukedima)
