Beewax products such as balms, food wraps, candles and wax blocks on display during the two-day Training on Value Addition of Honey and its by-Product held at the Multi Utility Centre, Chümoukedima on February 18th and 19th 2026. (DIPR Photo)
Chümoukedima, February 23 (MExN): A two-day training programme on value addition of honey and its by-products was held on February 18 and 19 at the Multi Utility Centre, Chümoukedima. The programme was organised by the Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) for trainers from Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Village Development and Value Chain Committees (VDVKs).
The inaugural session was graced by Sentiwapang Aier, Secretary to the Chief Minister and Team Leader of NBHM. In his address, he encouraged trainees to grow collectively and make the most of the first-of-its-kind training on honey value addition conducted in the state. He emphasised that the initiative aims to empower especially women through product development, financial literacy, resource management and personality development, thereby strengthening collective entrepreneurship and financial independence.
The programme featured intensive hands-on sessions over two days. On the first day, trainees were taught to make various beeswax products including balms, food wraps, candles and wax blocks. The second day focused on food processing techniques, hygiene standards, equipment used in processing, honey wine preparation, value-added honey-based food products, value chain development, entrepreneurship, packaging, labelling and marketing strategies.
Participants shared that beeswax had previously been discarded in their kitchen gardens, unaware of its economic potential. Through the training, they realised its commercial value and sustainable applications. One trainee remarked that “even the bees would be proud of us for making judicious use of all natural resources.”
Resource persons included the technical team from NBHM and Lovi Achumi, Proprietor of Tsuipu Food Products. The valedictory session was attended by O P Mounglang, DGM, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), who lauded the initiative and encouraged trainees to translate their newly acquired skills into sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Altogether 25 trainees representing 17 districts participated in the programme.
The training marked a significant step towards strengthening Nagaland’s beekeeping sector by promoting value addition, entrepreneurship and rural economic growth.
