A seven-day training programme on Scientific Beekeeping commenced on February 9, 2026, at the project site of the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, and will continue till February 15, 2026. The programme is being attended by 25 participants drawn from Noklak, Sirhima, and Medziphema villages. It aims to strengthen skills, enhance ecological awareness, and promote sustainable livelihood opportunities through scientific apiculture.
The inaugural programme was graced by Obed Quinker, Chairman, Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), as the Special Guest. Addressing the participants, Quinker emphasized that the importance of bees extends far beyond honey production, highlighting their critical role in ecology and biodiversity conservation. He underlined NBHM’s increasing focus on promoting native bee species, particularly Apis cerana, and stressed the urgent need for scientific data generation in Nagaland, noting that the state currently lacks adequate empirical data on beekeeping and pollinators. He further stated that NBHM, as a development agency, is keen to collaborate closely with SAS, Nagaland University, particularly in research, documentation, and field-based interventions.
Prof. Dipak Sinha, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, expressed gratitude to the funding agency for supporting such impactful programmes and appreciated the efforts of the implementing team. He highlighted that SAS, as the only agricultural institution in the state, contributes significantly to agricultural development through teaching, research, and extension activities, supported by AICRP centres and institutional projects. He also emphasized the need to formalize such initiatives into certificate-based skill development courses.
Prof. Pauline Alila, Dean, SAS, lauded the participating farmers for their enthusiasm and willingness to learn, underscoring the role of bees in pollination, productivity, and ecosystem sustainability.
The programme is being implemented under the leadership of Dr. Mary N. Odyuo, Associate Professor and Principal Investigator, and Dr. Avinash Chauhan, Co-Principal Investigator, combining classroom sessions with hands-on training.
It was also informed that a similar programme was successfully conducted earlier at Hekeshe Village from February 2 to 8, 2026.