Hill Districts Honey Bee Festival held in Ukhrul

Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, December 17:
A two-day Hill Districts-level Honey Bee Festival-cum-Honey Product Expo was successfully held at the DRDA Hall, Mini Secretariat, Ukhrul, on December 16–17 under the theme “Be the Change, Save the Bee.” The event brought together beekeepers, farmers, officials, and experts to promote scientific beekeeping, ecological conservation, and sustainable rural livelihoods.
The programme was sponsored by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Shillong, under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India. It was implemented by the Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department, Government of Manipur, and organised by the Development of Rural People (DRP).
The inaugural function was graced by Thaitheilung Pamei, IAS, Commissioner of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur, as Chief Guest. In his address, he stressed the importance of adopting the right beekeeping technology and holistic agricultural practices. He highlighted that quality honey has a huge market demand and that farmers stand to gain significantly by producing pure, chemical-free honey. Citing global trends, he cautioned against adulteration and dilution of honey for commercial purposes and urged local farmers to focus on quality and authenticity.
The Commissioner further noted that areas like Ukhrul, particularly during the flowering season of Kachai lemon, offer favourable conditions for producing high-quality honey with superior taste and texture. He emphasized that systematic training and scientific methods would help increase production, improve income, and secure a better future for farming communities.
He also pointed out that the state government sees strong potential in promoting beekeeping on a larger scale. Even small beginnings, if backed by the right methods and technology, can substantially improve farmers’ economic conditions. Participants were informed that training certificates would enable them to access farm loans and various government schemes in the future, making the programme one of the most significant initiatives of the department.
The inaugural session was attended by Sword Vashum, President of Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL); K. Dr. Badal Dutta Sharma, Director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Manipur; Mangsatabam Iboyaima Meitei, Advisor, NEC Shillong; and Chungong Pamei, Director, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, Manipur, as Guests of Honour.
On the second day, Dinringam Kangmei, SDO Ukhrul, graced the function as Chief Guest in place of the Deputy Commissioner. He underscored the vital link between biodiversity, ecological balance, and sustainable agriculture, urging participants to “be the change and save the bees” for securing livelihoods.