Participants at the 7th Nagaland Honey Bee Day at NBHM Multi Utility Center, Sovima, Chümoukedima.
Kohima, December 5 (MExN): The Nagaland Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM) observed the 7th Nagaland Honey Bee Day on December 5 at the NBHM Multi Utility Center, 6th Mile Sovima, Chümoukedima. The event was held under the theme “Securing the future of Honey Enterprises through financial literacy.”
Special Guest Obed Quinker, Chairman, NBHM, in his address, expressed appreciation for the dedication of beekeepers and the continuous efforts of NBHM in uplifting the honey industry in Nagaland. He said, “Nagaland stands on a unique ecological advantage, blessed with pristine forests and rare floral diversity that produce some of the finest honey varieties in the region.” He noted that the growing interest of Naga youth in apiculture reflects a promising future for rural entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
Quinker encouraged beekeepers to move beyond traditional practices and adopt scientific beekeeping methods. “Modern apiculture is not just about honey extraction but about maintaining healthy colonies, promoting pollination, and safeguarding biodiversity,” he said. He highlighted the importance of branding and quality assurance, urging young entrepreneurs to showcase Nagaland’s natural uniqueness in their products to gain a competitive edge in national and international markets.
He also stressed the need for sustainable and ethical honey production, reminding participants that bees are essential contributors to food security and environmental balance. On financial literacy, he said it plays a crucial role in helping entrepreneurs manage their ventures effectively, including investment planning, accessing credit, and navigating digital transactions. He expressed confidence that collaboration with ICICI Foundation would empower beekeepers to make informed financial decisions.
Quinker reaffirmed NBHM’s commitment to nurturing a honey-based economy, noting that the Mission has progressed significantly since its inception in 2007 despite challenges. “With continued support from the Government of Nagaland, NBHM aims to make Nagaland a leading model for scientific beekeeping and honey entrepreneurship in the country,” he said. He concluded by encouraging youth to “dream boldly, innovate fearlessly, and build enterprises that leave a positive legacy for future generations.”
Earlier, Er. Khuvozoyi Vese, Deputy Team Leader, NBHM, delivered the keynote address, stressing the importance of financial literacy for strengthening honey enterprises. He highlighted that Nagaland’s honey consumption of 192 grams per capita annually, far higher than the national average, creates strong market potential for niche honey products. He urged participants to adopt entrepreneurship skills, improved beekeeping practices, and long-term investment planning.
A short address was delivered by Pumgouthang, Zonal Head, ICICI Foundation, followed by a special performance by Longaro W. Okhyupvui. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Nzambemo K. Lotha, Team Member, NBHM.
A key feature of the event was the Technical Session on Financial Literacy, conducted in collaboration with ICICI Foundation and moderated by Letgong Patrick and Chubanungla Shilu, Team Members of NBHM. Resource person P. Motu, Branch Manager, ICICI Bank, spoke on investment schemes suitable for small entrepreneurs and conducted an awareness session on cyber fraud and safe digital banking. An interaction session followed, and Bendangmoa Yim, Team Member, NBHM, delivered the vote of thanks for the technical session.
