Beekeeping training programme begins
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 18 2024:
Despite various beekeeping training programmes being held in the State, not much inroads have been made in the field.
It is necessary to ascertain the reasons behind this bottleneck in development in beekeeping, said K Debadutta Sharma, Director, Horticulture and Soil Conservation.
He was speaking at the inauguration of the 7-day State Level Basic Training Programme on Beekeeping organised by the Manipur Beekeeping and Honey Mission (MBHM) under the sponsorship of National Bee Board at the Conference Hall, Directorate of Horticulture and Soil Conservation today.
Beekeepers from Thoubal and Tamenglong participated in the programme.
The training programme is set to conclude on June 23 .
Speaking as the chief guest, K Debadutta Sharma urged all concerned to help diagnose the reasons behind the stagnantion of beekeeping occupation in Manipur, whether it is due to lack of Government support or need to change the mindset of bee farmers.
He shared that the yield of honey produced by beekeepers ten years ago remains the same till date.
If the honey yield continues to remain the same even 10 or 20 years from now, then there is no meaning behind conducting such training programmes, said the Horticulture & Soil Conservation Director.
Urging beekeepers to increase honey yield in the next 2/3 years and help Manipur become a significant player in the beekeeping industry, he informed that the honey mission was undertaken by the Horticulture & Soil Conservation Department under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) .
Highlighting some of the benefits of beekeeping, K Debadutta Sharma said that it can increase production of paddy, wheat, peas and mustard among other crops by 30% to 40% .
In order to export the honey produced here to the rest of the country, there is a need to maintain the national standard, he added.
The State is providing such training programmes to ensure that a scientific method and approach is being adopted in beekeeping.
The business of beekeeping can help increase the income of bee farmers, generating employment, improving public health and increasing crop yield, said K Debadutta Sharma.
Addressing the gathering as the guest of honour, Malemnganba Meetei, District Horticulture Officer highlighted the medicinal qualities of honey.
He also spoke about the destruction of bee habitats due to environment pollution.
The District Horticulture Officer urged the participating beekeepers to share the knowledge they gain from the programme and share it with other people.
The inauguration of the 7-days State Level Basic Training Programme on Beekeeping was also attended by C Pamei, Mission Director, MBHM and Md Zakir Hussain, Addl Director, Horticulture & Soil Conservation.