Kohima, 5 December (MTNews): “Nagaland currently boasts over 1 lakh beekeepers, with NBHM adding approximately 25,000 more beekeepers across 500 villages,” said Deputy Chief Minister of Planning & Transformation and National Highway, TR Zeliang during the 5th Nagaland Honey Bee Day celebration under the theme ‘Bee & Honey Trails.
Zeliang expressed confidence that Nagaland will reach the target of 2000 MT by 2030. The total honey production, as of now, stands at 440 Metric Tonnes (MT) per annum.
Highlighting Nagaland’s unique tradition of beekeeping, he acknowledged its potential to become the epicenter for apicultural activities. “Under the guidance of NBHM, traditional beekeeping has transformed into a sustainable source of income for many, contributing to economic sustainability,” he added.
Zeliang went on to praise the unique quality of Nagaland’s honey, attributing its taste to the rich source of nutrition for honeybees acquired from the state’s varied flora.
“Where there is Honey, the land is Rich,” Zeliang quoted, expressing his pleasure at being present for the celebration. He commended the Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) for their outstanding service during disasters and natural calamities, providing rescue and relief to victims.
The Deputy Chief Minister stressed the importance of beekeeping, not only for honey production but also for the production of beeswax and the crucial role played by bees in pollination, enhancing crop productivity. He credited NBHM for sensitizing people to these by-products, leading to more individuals taking up beekeeping as a primary or secondary source of income.