Experts highlight potentials of bee farming in state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 20 2022: The Green Foundation in association with Manipur Bee Keepers' Federation observed World Bee Day on the theme of 'Be Engage: Celebrating the diversity of bees and beekeeping system' at Kwakeithel Awang Thiyam Leikai on Friday.

As part of the observance, the Foundation took up steps to provide loans to apiarists for purchasing beekeeping boxes along with a resolution for concerted efforts to help alleviate the difficulties faced by apiarists.

Presided over by Federation secretary H Subhaschandra, the observance was held with Central Agricultural University (CAU) former dean Prof N Iboton as chief guest while Crop Solutions consultant Dr M Thoithoi and Progressive Bee Farmer Thongam Shyam were guests of honour.

Speaking on the occasion, chief executive officer of the Foundation U Himmat observed that people are now increasingly becoming aware of the importance of bees.

Various researches are being done on bees and the National Bee Board has taken up steps to promote beekeeping and increase yield of honey.

Various line departments in the state are also actively promoting beekeeping.

However, apiarists continue to face some difficulties including ways to increase their income.

Thus, the Foundation will be im parting knowledge about beekeeping policy and technology to apiarists, in addition to working together to solve all existing issues, for which the day is being observed, he said.

Announcing that beekeeping boxes would be loaned to 150 farmers registered to Green Foundation and the 2000 farmers affiliated to the Federation; Himmat explained that the loan amount could be repaid after a year.

In his speech, Federation secretary H Subhaschandra said that the Federation, which was established in 2008, is registered with the National Bee Board.

In Manipur's context, the state is highly suitable for beekeeping compared to other states of the country.

During the Rabi season, the honey bees pollinate and collect nectar from the flowers in the valley.

After the season in the valley ends, the bees then go on to pollinate and collect nectar from the vegetation in the hills.

As such, honey could be produced throughout the year in the state.

Mass beekeeping will also help reduce the use of pesticides and fertilisers, thereby helping Manipur to become an organic state naturally, he stated.

Observing that the state is currently only focusing on producing honey and wax, he said that other products such as bee venom, royal jelly, nectar, etc., could be produced with introduction of related technology.

Bee venom is used in various medical treatments, with 1 kg of it commanding over Rs 1 crore.

Meanwhile, 150 gm of Royal jelly could be sold at around Rs 1.5 lakh.

Thus, farmers could easily'increase their income by producing such products, he added.

Comment