-By Canning S Shabong
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| Shri.R.V.Lyngdoh, Hon. Minister Speaking at the Inaugural Function |
INTRODUCTION:
The Directorate of Horticulture,
Meghalaya and Meghalaya Small Farmer’s Agri Business Consortium,(MgSFAC) which is the
nodal agency for implementing the centrally sponsored scheme 'Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture' (MIDH) in the State observed the World Honey Bee
Day on 19th August 2017 at the Integrated Agriculture Training
Centre,(IATC) 7th Mile, Upper Shillong. The theme of the observation was
“Bee Keeping for Livelihood and Sustainable Development”
The day long function, which was participated by 500 farmers from across the State, include the Inaugural session,
Exhibition cum Sales of Honey products and bye products, Seminar for farmers
and entertainment by the local band “Colors”.
The event was also participated by Department of Commerce and
Industries, Government of Meghalaya, Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship
(MIE), Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB), Rural Resource Training
Centre (RRTC) etc.
The event was inaugurated by Shri.
R.V. Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Minister of Arts & Culture, Soil & Water
Conservation & Urban Affairs, Government of Meghalaya. The Minister also
inaugurated the Exhibition cum Sales of honey and honey products, which were put
on display by State Government undertaking like Khadi and Village Industries
Board (KVIB), NGO’s like Rural Resource Training Centre(RRTC), entrepreneurs,
farmers and local startups. The prominent exhibitors are Ms. Eva Lyngdoh, Bee
keeper and Mr. Vijay Byrsat from the Centre of Learning Knowledge &
Services (COLK), Shillong which displayed its "BIE" brand of honey products.
INAUGURATION:
The Inaugural Function was
attended by Smt. M.N.Nampui, IAS, Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya,
Agriculture Department, Shri. R.S.Gill, IFS, Addl. PCCF, Forest Department and
Smt. D.Syiemiong, Director of Horticulture.
Speaking during the function, the
Secretary Agriculture informed the gathering that the Government of India
through the Ministry of Agriculture has seen it fit to honor these small
insects that hover around us, bringing life and pollination. She also
underlined the importance and role played by the honeybees for livelihood and
agriculture development in the State.
Shri. R.S.Gill, IFS in his brief speech said that "honoring the honey bee is like honoring our own life, our capacity to live
healthily, think healthily and to contribute to our society". Therefore, the
honeybee is a part of our personality, our society and our country.
During the Inaugural Function, the
Chief Guest, Shri. R.V.Lyngdoh said that this humble insect is so important and
crucial to our survival that its extinction will also ensure extinction of
mankind. He also expressed his happiness to see that many other departments are
also taking part in this observation of World Honey Bee Day. He also informed
the farmers that in United States there was a period where the crop production
had fallen and Research Scientist attributed that this to the decrease in bee
population. He therefore said that it is appropriate that we should observe
this day to remind us of the important role played by bees in pollination and
agriculture production.
Others who spoke during the function were Smt. D.Syiemiong, Director of Horticulture, Shri. G. Shylla, District Horticulture Officer, Ri-Bhoi and Shri. Crosspillar Marak, District Horticulture Officer, West Garo Hills.
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| Honey Bee products on display by Department of Agriculture |
EXHIBITORS:
1. Department of
Commerce and Industries, Meghalaya
2. Khadi and
Village Industries Board (KVIB), Shillong
3. District
Horticulture Offices, East Garo Hills, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia Hills,
Ri-Bhoi, South West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills.
4. M/s COLKs
Enterprise
5. Ms. Eva B. Lyngdoh
6. M/s H.L/
Candles (Bee Wax Candles)
CONCLUSION:
The observation of World Honey Bee
Day on 19th August was the
first of its kind event held in the State, which witnessed participation by 500
farmers, bee keepers, honeybee product entrepreneurs, Scientist, Practitioners,
NGO’s and department officials from all
over the State. The event also attracted visitors, buyers to the exhibition and
most of the honey on display was sold out on the day. Buyers were also given a
free specially ordered "honey bee bag" with every purchase of honey. The Department of Agriculture,
Meghalaya expresses its heartfelt thanks to the Ministry of Agriculture for deciding
to observe this event, to create awareness about the role played by honey bees
in pollination and as a means of livelihood for farmers.
(The Writer currently works as Assistant Director of Agriculture (info & IT), Department of Agriculture Meghalaya and can be reached at csshabong@gmail.com)
