Today India is targeting itself to become a honey capital of the world, Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland stated on Thursday.  

While at present the size of India’s honey economy is Rs 3000 crore, in the next ten years, it is expected to grow to Rs 5000. “Even if we get 1% of that share in the State, that is a minimum of Rs 30 crores,” he stated. 

Metha mentioned this on the occasion of the 6th Nagaland Honey Bee day celebrated at Nagaland Bee Honey Mission (NBHM) multi utility center at 6th Mile, Chümoukedima on December 5.  The theme of the day was ‘Beez vibes: Give bees a chance.’

“The scope here in Nagaland is huge,” he remarked as the cultivation of honey has great potential to contribute towards the enhancement of the State’s economy. He went on to state that today honey has become a key and vital food that adds many elements and is also considered a super food.  Besides consumption, it is also used in many other products such as skin care, medicine among others.  

Therefore having understood the value of bees in the ecosystem, Metha stressed for the need to preserve them and also traditional practices of bee keeping for future generations. “Nagaland honey is pushing boundaries to make its presence felt across the country and beyond,” he noted. For which, he reminded that the government is committed to improve and enhance production of honey in the interests of local farmers.  

In his keynote address, Wezope Kenye, IAS, Agriculture Production Commissioner & Mission Director, NBHM highlighted that Nagaland was the first state to launch a dedicated mission for bee keeping in the country. Since its inception the NBHM has trained over 25,000 bee keepers across 500 villages. 

“Their efforts have increased our state's honey production to approximately 440 metric tonnes per year. However, we aim higher, with a target of 2,000 metric tonnes by 2030,” he said. 

Kenye mentioned that the honey produced in the State is unique, given the presence of rich flora which gives it a distinct taste, and “our commitment to organic practices ensures its purity.”  “This quality has made Nagaland Honey a sought-after product both locally and beyond,” he added. 

He noted that the value bees provide were numerous besides producing honey as they also enrich biodiversity through their pollination and enhance crop productivity. 

To further promote Nagaland honey, the NBHM has introduced 'Bee Tourism' during the Hornbill Festival, he said. 

Obed Quinker, Chairman, Nagaland Beekeeping & Honey Mission also spoke on the significance of the day which has specifically been designed to inspire the upcoming Generation Z cohort.  The bees have an intricate and delicate relationship with the relationship of human species, he said.  

Given this understanding, he appealed to the people to promote bee usage and be more disciplined with their nutritional food habits by consuming honey. 

During the programme, the NBHM also handed out awards for the best bee keepers for the year 2024. These were, Yansomong from Shangphur (village), Neikeyiekho from Kacharigaon 

Mantok Phom from Orangkong, Samuel Semy from Terogvunyu, Shiying from Lengnyu, G Kiyekhe Zhimomi from Ghokuto, KP Sangte from Monyakshu, Khekato Jimomi from Satakha old, Zanao Yanthan from Elumyo, Namang Wongto from Chingmei, Vikuolie Keyientsu from Rusoma, Nutsuto Ringa from Runguzu old, P Cheusumew from Phuvkiu, Menolhoukho Khate from Punglwa, Dr Sentiwati Aier from Yisemyong and Rovicato Siria from Ruzaphema.  

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Sentiwapang Aier NCS, Additional Secretary to Chief Minister, & Team Leader, NBHM.