A week-long Basic Beekeeping Training Programme was launched today in Chandel district to promote scientific apiculture and livelihood opportunities among rural communities. The programme is being organised by the District Officer (Horticulture & Soil Conservation), Chandel, under the Manipur Beekeeping and Honey Mission (MBHM) of the Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur, with sponsorship from the National Bee Board.

The inaugural function was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Chandel, Md. Firoj Khan; District Agriculture Officer, Chandel, S. Lovejoy; District Officer (Horticulture & Soil Conservation), Chandel, S. Surajkumar; and Agriculture Officer, O. Keshikumar.

As part of the training, Dr. N. Ajitkumar, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Protection), ICAR–KVK Ukhrul, delivered a lecture on scientific beekeeping practices in hill ecosystems. This was followed by a session conducted by Dr. N. Johnson, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Protection), ICAR, Churachandpur, who spoke on value-added honey bee products and their potential for rural entrepreneurship development.

Altogether, 25 trainees from various villages of Chandel district are participating in the programme, which aims to enhance skills, improve income generation, and strengthen sustainable agriculture practices in the region.