DIMAPUR — School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema campus, conducted a one-day training on ‘Scientific beekeeping for entrepreneurship development-cum-input distribution’ in Kitami village under Zunheboto district on February 10.
An update from the school stated that the training was organised by the All India Coordinated Research Project on Honey bees and Pollinators (AICRP-HB&P), ICAR, where the importance of scientific bee box and other equipments in rearing of Apis cerana and stingless bees were discussed and farmers were enlightened on benefits of using scientific bee boxes over traditional ones.
During the training, bee biology, life cycle of honey bees, their management during different seasons, bee diseases and pests, queen rearing etc. were discussed in detail. Besides, discussions were held on different products derived from honeybees, quality management of honey, wax, pollen, bee venom, royal jelly, propolis etc. and also stressed on the value addition of honey and other bee products.
It stated that the farmers were also sensitised on the role of bees as important pollinators and the vital role of bees in increasing the production of fruits, vegetables and other crops including oilseeds like mustard and sunflower.
The training was attended by more than 75 farmers from Kitami and nearby villages under Pughoboto sub-division of Zunheboto district.
Dr. Avinash Chauhan, training coordinator and principal investigator of AICRP-HB&P, chaired the programme and welcomed all the participants.
The inaugural function began with an invocation prayer said by the pastor of Kitami Village Baptist Church, followed by a speech from the head GB of Kitami village.
The resource persons were Dr. Otto S Awomi, assistant professor at Living Bible College, Vihokhu; Dr. Kavi Sumi, scientist at SAS, NU; and Dr. Avinash Chauhan.
Practical demonstration was conducted by Ngukho, bee professional at AICRP (HB&P), SAS, NU Medziphema.
The training concluded with experience remark from various beekeepers and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Kughakhu, VDB secretary of Kitami village.
It was followed by distribution of bee boxes to all the trainees.
