Nagaland Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM) organized the 6th Nagaland Honey Bee Day on December 5, 2024, at NBHM’s Multi-Utility Center, 6th Mile Sovima, Chümoukedima, under the theme BeeZ Vibes: “Give Bees a Chance.” Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha, graced the program as the Special Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Metha highlighted that beekeeping is an ancient human practice dating back thousands of years. He noted that honeybees were first discovered in the wild, with humans gradually learning their attributes and adopting beekeeping. Metha remarked that honey, considered one of the most precious products, was even preserved in ancient Egyptian tombs over 3,000 years ago, retaining its quality over millennia.
Metha emphasized that honey has become a vital superfood in modern times, not only for its health benefits but also for its uses in cosmetics, wax, and crafts. He urged the use of technology to enhance honey production and value, suggesting the documentation of indigenous beekeeping knowledge for future generations. He noted that India aims to become the honey capital of the world, with the current honey economy valued at Rs 3,000 crore, projected to grow to Rs 5,000 crore in 10 years. Metha stressed that even capturing 1% of this industry could bring Rs 30 crore to Nagaland, showcasing the immense potential of the honey industry in the state.
He also highlighted the ecological importance of honeybees, particularly their role in pollination and ecosystem preservation. Metha encouraged students to understand the economic potential of beekeeping, its impact on the environment, and how it could lead to better livelihoods. He urged young minds to absorb knowledge from the technical sessions, as they represent the future leaders of the industry.
Metha congratulated the Chairman and Team Leader of NBHM for their innovative marketing strategies and for creating opportunities for farmers in Nagaland. He also commended the department for establishing the first Honey Museum in the Northeast and introducing the concept of “honey tourism,” which narrates the story of honey in Nagaland to visitors.
In his keynote address, Agriculture Production Commissioner & Mission Director of NBHM, Wezope Kenye, IAS, noted that Nagaland was the first state in India to launch a dedicated mission for beekeeping in 2007. He highlighted that December 5 was officially declared Nagaland Honey Bee Day in 2017 through a cabinet decision and has been celebrated annually since.
Kenye explained that this year’s theme aimed to inspire the younger generation to appreciate honeybees and consider beekeeping as an economically and ecologically beneficial activity, aligning with NBHM’s motto, “Eco Bee.” He further stated that NBHM has trained over 25,000 beekeepers across 500 villages since its inception, increasing annual honey production in Nagaland to approximately 440 metric tonnes. The goal is to achieve 2,000 metric tonnes by 2030.
Kenye also introduced the concept of “Bee Tourism” during the Hornbill Festival, where visitors experienced traditional beekeeping practices, particularly in Mima village, known as the “Honey Village.” This initiative promotes culture while boosting the local economy.
The program highlights included a welcome address by Sentiwapang Aier, Additional Secretary to the Chief Minister and Team Leader of NBHM, and the Chairman’s address by Obed Quinker, Chairman of NBHM. Experience-sharing sessions featured contributions by Menolhoukho Khate from Peren District and Medoneizo Putsure, CEO of Jome Foods Pvt. Ltd. Resource persons Temjenchuba K Char, Letgong Patrick, and Nzanbemo K Lotha delivered presentations on topics including the scope of beekeeping in Nagaland and the importance of bees.
During the event, Abu Metha released Apinews and launched the official website for marketing Nagaland Honey in collaboration with social commerce platform Otipy.com.
District-level awards for the best beekeepers of 2024 were presented to individuals from various districts, including Yansomong Sangphur Village (Shamator), Neikeyiekho (Kacharigaon Village, Dimapur), Mantok Phom (Orangkong Village, Longleng), and others.
Notable attendees included S. Keoshu Yimchunger, Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports; Nuzota Swuro, Chairman of NBDA; Kuputo Shohe, Chairman of NSMDC; and Deputy Commissioners of Chümoukedima and Dimapur.