The School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University (SAS, NU), Medziphema campus, organised an input distribution programme on December 9 as part of the ongoing project “Quality Nucleus Stock Development, Training and Demonstration among Farmers and Project Sites”.

According to a press release, the project was funded by the National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) scheme, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India.

Farmers from Medziphema, Sirhima, Sirhi-Angami and Hekeshe villages attended the programme, during which they received bee colonies. The distribution marks the first phase of the initiative with training and demonstration sessions to follow, aimed at teaching farmers the scientific methods of multiplying and managing quality nucleus stock.

Prof. Pauline Alila, Dean, SAS, NU, commended the farmers for consistent enthusiasm and active participation in the programmes conducted periodically under the projects of SAS, NU. She reminded them that receiving bee colonies comes with the responsibility to raise and multiply them, encouraging farmers to take the opportunity seriously and develop beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood option.

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Prof. K.K. Jha, Pro Vice-Chancellor (In-charge), NU Medziphema campus, also addressed the gathering highlighting the wide-ranging benefits of beekeeping, not only for honey production but also for enhancing pollination and supporting agricultural productivity.

The Principal Investigator, Dr. Mary N. Odyuo, Associate Professor, along with the Co-PI Dr. Avinash Chauhan, Scientist AICRP on Honey Bees and Pollinators, expressed gratitude to colleagues and beneficiaries for their support and cooperation in making the programme a success. They reiterated the crucial role of bees in sustaining ecosystems and the potential of quality nucleus stock development to build profitable and resilient agri-enterprises.