Kohima: Keeping up with the rich traditions of beekeeping, Nagaland is ready to host its flagship event on apiculture promotions. This year’s Bee and Honey Trail on Eco Bee Tourism will be held at the Mima Village. Also, the Bamboo Hall in Kisama will host the 5th edition of Nagaland Honey Bee Day. This will be held alongside the upcoming Hornbill Festival at the same destination.
Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) chairman made this announcement on Monday. He was addressing a press conference at the NBHM Multi Utility Centre at 6th Mile Sovima where he made this announcement. IDAN Chairman Abu Metha will flag off the Bee and Honey Trail on Wednesday. Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang will flag off the Nagaland Honey Bee Day celebrations on Deember 5.
The chairman mentioned that the Bee and Honey Trail is the first of its kind initiative by the Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission. It aims to attract tourists to bee farms and learn about the same. The participants will have a first hand experience of the bee keeping and honey extraction.
He also informed that a stall named Honey Hub would be opened in the Kisama Village. The Kisama Heritage Village is the host for the popular Hornbill Festival of the state. Honey Hub will showcase honey and products to the visitors alongside a hands on experience. This facility will be available for the duration of the festival, that is December 1 to December 10.
Deputy Team Leader NBHM, Khuvozoyi Vese, informed that the mission has trainded about 30000 bee farmers in scientific apiculture. He also mentioned that the state has over 1,20,000 beekeeper, including both scientific and traditional practices. He also added that the state produces around 440 metric tons of honey annually. Although a major portion of the same is consumed locally, some of it is sold in the neighbouring states as well.
When queried about the state’s honey production and export activities, Vese revealed that Nagaland presently yields around 440 metric tons of honey annually. He added that while a substantial portion was consumed locally, a modest quantity was exported to other states through diverse distribution channels. The official also added that Zunheboto emerged as the leading district in honey production, contributing significantly to the state’s overall output. He also mentioned that the state aims at boosting the production to 500-600 metric tons.
