Chumoukedima: The Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) marked the 6th edition of Nagaland Honey Bee Day on Thursday at its Multi-Utility Centre in Chumoukedima, 6th Mile. This year’s celebration, themed “BeeZ Vibes: Give Bees a Chance”, highlighted the indispensable role of honeybees in maintaining ecological balance and their immense economic potential.
Abu Metha, Chairman of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland, graced the event as the special guest and emphasized the expanding prospects of the honey industry in India. “India is positioning itself to become the honey capital of the world. The current size of the Indian honey economy is ₹3,000 crore, and in the next decade, it is expected to exceed ₹5,000 crore,” Metha said.
He noted that even a modest share of the national honey economy could be transformative for Nagaland. “If Nagaland captures just 1% of this market, it would equate to ₹30 crore—a significant figure with immense growth potential,” he added.
Metha highlighted the dual importance of honeybees in ecological and economic contexts. “Bees are integral to the earth’s ecology. Their role in pollination supports the vast ecosystems of the planet. Protecting bees is critical for our survival, and they also hold great potential for boosting our economy,” he said.
Addressing young attendees, Metha encouraged them to consider beekeeping as a sustainable career choice. “Learn about the dynamics of beekeeping, its economic potential, and how it can lead to a better life while ensuring a healthier ecosystem,” he urged.
The event celebrated honey farmers as pivotal stakeholders in Nagaland’s beekeeping mission. Metha assured farmers of continued government support. “The government will work alongside the Nagaland Honey Mission to enhance your farming practices and ensure growth. I assure you that we will strategize to actively improve, enhance, and increase your farming output,” he said.
He also announced plans to transform the NBHM hall in Chumoukedima into a honey museum—potentially the first of its kind in the Northeast. This museum will offer visitors an immersive experience of honey farming in rural Nagaland, blending ecological education with tourism.
Metha praised NBHM for its innovative approach, combining honey production, farmer empowerment, and tourism. “Nagaland Honey is now a recognized brand across the country. I see it in various outlets, institutions, and even the service industry when I travel. This is a testament to the mission’s vibrant and out-of-the-box marketing efforts,” he said.
Nagaland made history as the first state in India to launch a dedicated beekeeping mission in 2007, focusing on unlocking honey production potential through technology and innovation. In 2017, the state cabinet officially designated December 5 as Nagaland Honey Bee Day.
Over the years, NBHM has celebrated five editions of this event, with each edition aiming to amplify awareness about honeybees. This year’s celebration focused on engaging the younger generation, with the theme designed to spark curiosity and inspire them to become bee lovers and future beekeepers.
The 6th Nagaland Honey Bee Day sent a strong message to Generation Z: “Give Bees a Chance.” Through its activities, the event aimed to instill a sense of wonder and educate young minds on the significance of honeybees in the ecosystem and the opportunities beekeeping presents.
NBHM’s motto, “eco bee”, encapsulates this dual vision—combining ecological conservation with economic benefits. As Nagaland’s honey industry continues to grow, initiatives like these are poised to shape a sustainable future for both the state’s farmers and its natural environment.
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