Kohima, December 5 (MTNews): APC & Mission Director Nagaland Beekeeping & Honey Mission, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS, while observing the 4th Nagaland Honey Bee Day 2022 on December 5, at NBHM, Multi-utility Centre 6th Mile, Chumoukedima, organized by Nagaland Beekeeping & Honey Mission expressed his happiness that Nagaland is now top in beekeeping and honey missions in the whole NE of India, both in quality and quantity.
He also stated that 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 also said that agro-based industry is the only potential option in Nagaland because the state does not have potential for large and medium-based industries.
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 that, it is a great opportunity for the Nagas to plan out and not to shy away but come forward in promoting beekeeping.
Further, Sema also pointed out that 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 10,942 sq km was utilized properly,” he said.
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,” he informed.
According to him, currently around 440 mt per year is being harvested, so if 195 mt is added every year then it will achieve the target and vision.
Therefore, in order to achieve this, Sema said, “Beekeeping should not be concentrated only in designated areas but should be preached about its benefits and economic prosperity in every nook and corner of the state”.
Further, he lamented that despite having such a huge demand for Nagaland honey, the State is unable to meet the demand due to poor marketing. He said that the Government is doing its best for sustainable livelihoods and to create employment opportunities for our people and therefore, urged everyone to give effort and support.
