MBHM kicks off 7-day training programme on beekeeping
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 30 2024: Horticulture and Soil Conservation Addl Director K Debdutta Sharma has called for concerted efforts to increase the number apiarists (bee keepers) in the State to facilitate higher honey production, better processing, branding and labelling and exportation beyond the State.

The Addl Director made the remark during the inaugural ceremony of a seven-day State level basic training programme on beekeeping held at Directorate of Horticulture and Soil Conservation conference hall at Sanjenthong, Imphal today.

MBHM kicks off 7-day training programme on beekeeping

The training has been organised by the Directorate's Manipur Beekeeping and Honey Mission (MBHM) under the National Bee Board and is set to conclude on February 5 .

Speaking on the occasion, K Debdutta Sharma stated that beekeeping and harvesting honey can be an alternate means of livelihood for the people in the midst of the conflict.

He added that the training programme was launched with the objective of imparting scientific inputs to the beekeepers to ensure production of superior quality honey.

In order to capture a small market beyond the State, the Addl Director called for better quality management, maintenance of hygiene and standardization of honey production in Manipur.

In addition, he stated that proper branding, listing the nutritional value in the label and attractive packaging will bring more customers from outside the State and further increase the income of the beekeepers.

On the occasion, Md Zakir Hussain, Mission Director, MBHM highlighted the benefits of honey and the advantages of the beekeeping profession which can be easily started from home.

He also urged the trainees to pay special attention to the experts who will be imparting valuable information on bee-keeping during the programme.

On the last day of the training programme, the trainees will pay a field visit to a successful beekeeper from whom they can gain practical and first hand knowledge about the profession.

Meanwhile, Horticulture and Soil Conservation Director Honey Chara encouraged the trainees to successfully complete their course to further promote and uplift the profession of bee-keeping and improve their economic condition.

Today's training programme marked the tenth training programme on beekeeping organised by MBHM so far.

Altogether 25 trainees are taking part in the training programme on beekeeping.