Elevating Nagaland's Beekeeping Legacy: A Glimpse into the 5th Nagaland Honey Bee Day

 Elevating Nagaland's Beekeeping Legacy: A Glimpse into the 5th Nagaland Honey Bee Day

• The 5th Nagaland Honey Bee Day celebrated under the theme 'Bee & Honey Trials' showcased Nagaland's unique beekeeping tradition.
• Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang highlighted the potential of Nagaland to be the epicenter of Apicultural activities.
• The Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) transformed traditional beekeeping into a sustainable income source, contributing to economic sustainability.
• The event emphasized the importance of beekeeping for honey production, beewax, and the crucial role played by bees in enhancing crop productivity.

In a celebration of Nagaland's rich beekeeping tradition, the 5th Nagaland Honey Bee Day unfolded under the theme 'Bee & Honey Trials' at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang, speaking at the event, praised Nagaland's unique beekeeping legacy, citing its potential to be the epicenter of Apicultural activities.

Nagaland's Beekeeping Potential:

• Abundant favorable climatic conditions, rich vegetation, and ideal topography make Nagaland ideal for beekeeping.
• Traditional beekeeping, guided by the Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), has evolved into a sustainable source of income for many, contributing significantly to economic sustainability.

Unique Flavors of Nagaland's Honey:

• Deputy Chief Minister Zeliang highlighted the distinctive quality of Nagaland's honey, attributing its unique taste to the rich source of nutrition for honeybees found in the state's varied flora.

Importance of Beekeeping Beyond Honey Production:

• Emphasis was placed on the multifaceted role of beekeeping, not just for honey but also for beewax and the critical role bees play in pollination, ultimately enhancing crop productivity.

Bee Tourism and Honey Hub:

• 'Bee Tourism' was launched during the Hornbill Festival by NBHM, aiming to provide a firsthand experience of traditional beekeeping and unique practices to both local and non-local tourists.
• The newly opened 'Honey Hub' at Kisama offers a platform for beekeepers to exhibit and sell their products, providing a boost to the beekeeping community.

NBHM's Impact and International Recognition:

• NBHM, the first mission of its kind in the country, has propelled apicultural activities in Nagaland from rudimentary to streamlined, involving stakeholders across the state.
• Through paper presentations in international beekeeping conferences, Nagaland's beekeeping activities have found a place on the world map.

Promoting Rural Tourism and Future Plans:

• The introduction of 'Bee & Honey Trail' aims to promote rural tourism, boosting the rural economy.
• NBHM plans to expand bee tourism to other districts, reaching more villages with a long-standing history of beekeeping traditions.

Awards and Recognitions:

• Imtinuksang Jamir from Mokokchung district was conferred the State Level Best Beekeeper 2023.
• Old Jalukie VBKC received the Best State Level Village Beekeeping Committee 2023 award.
• District-level best beekeepers and winners of a painting competition were also recognized.

Conclusion: Nagaland, with its thriving beekeeping community and unique traditions, stands as a testament to the symbiotic relationship between humans and bees. As the world recognizes Nagaland's beekeeping prowess, the 5th Nagaland Honey Bee Day serves as a testament to the state's commitment to sustainable practices and economic growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What makes Nagaland's beekeeping tradition unique?

   • Nagaland's abundant favorable climatic conditions, rich vegetation, and ideal topography contribute to its distinct beekeeping legacy.

2. How has the Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) impacted the state's beekeeping activities?

   • NBHM has transformed traditional beekeeping into a sustainable source of income, significantly contributing to economic sustainability.

3. What role does beekeeping play beyond honey production in Nagaland?

   • Beekeeping is essential for beewax production and plays a crucial role in pollination, enhancing overall crop productivity.

4. What is 'Bee Tourism,' and how does it contribute to the local economy?

   • 'Bee Tourism' provides a firsthand experience of traditional beekeeping to tourists, boosting rural tourism and the local economy.

5. How has Nagaland's beekeeping activities gained international recognition?

   • Through paper presentations in international beekeeping conferences, Nagaland's beekeeping practices have found a place on the world map.

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