DIMAPUR — SDO (Civil) Noklak, Vikhoto Richa, stated on Wednesday that beekeeping, with its high potential for generating supplementary income and adding value, can serve as a source of livelihood for the people.
He, however, also emphasised the importance of branding, marketing, and returning to an organic way of living.
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Richa made these remarks while speaking as the special guest at a machinery dedication ceremony organised by the Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) at Jungyam Fishery Farm, Noklak HQ.
Speaking on the occasion, he cited that Noklak, being situated in a far-flung area of Nagaland, faces significant challenges in terms of transport and infrastructure. Despite the hardworking nature and great potential of the people, he said, they lack the right avenues, hindering opportunities and development.
He noted the difficulties arising from the region's topography, making it challenging to bring in large machines.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Urging the farmers, SHGs, and beneficiaries on the occasion to grasp the privileges of government schemes and utilise the machinery, he requested that the departments take follow-up actions at all levels of capacity to train the farmers, encouraging them to contribute through self-efforts without solely depending on government schemes.
Richa also opened the exhibition of products and the demonstration of machinery during the event.
In his welcome speech, NBHM team member Phem Shiu, who is in charge of Noklak and Shamator, thanked NBHM chairman Obed Quinker, additional secretary to the government of Nagaland Sentiwapang Aier, and team member NBHM Mhathung Tsopoe for their contributions.
He said that it was with their help and efforts that they were able to transport the machinery from Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh and thanked the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (TRIFED) for providing the equipment to the beneficiaries.
Shiu also elaborated that they are fortunate to have acquired all this machinery and materials at their doorstep and noted that they can now utilise these machines for the benefit of the farmers and the people as a whole.
The machinery was provided under the Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) scheme, which operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, government of India.
Wednesday’s programme was attended by over 200 people.