Kohima: The Department of Zoology at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, organised its first ‘ZooTalk: Series-1’ on April 5, focusing on the ecological and entrepreneurial importance of bees.
Held at the college’s Conference Hall, the event drew over 70 participants in-person and more than 300 online, with the session streamed live on the college’s official YouTube channel.
Centred around the theme “Bees: Today and Tomorrow”, the programme highlighted the significance of Apiculture (bee-keeping) and Meliponiculture (stingless bee-keeping) and their potential for entrepreneurship in Nagaland. The resource person for the talk was Dr. Avinash Chauhan, Scientist at AICRP (HB & P), Department of Entomology, SASRD, Nagaland University.
Dr. Chauhan presented on “Understanding Apiculture and Meliponiculture and Their Role in Entrepreneurship Development,” where he elaborated on scientific advancements in bee-keeping techniques and the potential for Meliponiculture as a sustainable enterprise in the state. He noted Nagaland’s rich floral diversity as an advantage for developing the sector and pointed out the increasing national interest in stingless bee-keeping, with species numbers growing from eight in 2013 to 27 in 2025.
Highlighting entrepreneurial prospects, Dr. Chauhan encouraged participants to look beyond research and explore avenues for local business ventures through beekeeping.
The event was moderated by Associate Professor Dr. Lilongchem Thyug, with a conceptual note delivered by Associate Professor Dr. Vethselo Doulo. Dr. Anungla Pongener, Head of the Department of Zoology, proposed the vote of thanks.
Principal Dr. Temjenwabang and Nzanbemo from NBHM, Nagaland, also attended the session, which served as a platform to bridge academic research with entrepreneurship in the beekeeping sector.
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