Chirayi (File Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 14
Chirayi from Khutsami village of Phek district, is a prosperous bee farmer today.
He was the recipient of the state level award during 2nd Nagaland Honey Bee Day held at Kohima recently under the aegis of Nagaland Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM) with support from North East Council (NEC).
In the early 1990's as a young boy, Chirayi loved rearing bees. There was very little resources in the village those days, honey served his various medicinal needs.
He says, "My siblings would use honey as a cosmetic, aesthetic and for many other purposes."
His interest in bee cultivation grew over time.
Adding to his perseverance, it was in the year 2011 that the NBHM visited his village and inducted them training and provided materials needed for apiculture. This knowledge made him very active and he acquired the ability and the skills.
He made use of every natural resources and cultivated colonies both at home and in the jungles.
For instance, he has four sites of apiaries in the jungle.
He introduced the system of underground hives.
He has an asset worth 182 colonies that produces around 1200 Kgs of honey which earns him up to Rs. 2.5 to Rs. 3 lakhs annually.
"I have my own land and house now,” says Chirayi.
Chirayi also bought a vehicle. He aspires to influence the people around him and continue sharing the knowledge that he has acquired.
