Imphal, October 6 (MExN): The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Manipur launched its first training programme on Beekeeping, Floriculture and Fruit Orchards under a research project sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on October 4.
The programme is part of the research project “Mainstreaming Agrobiodiversity Conservation for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods,” which is being implemented through the G. B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, a press release said.
Dr Adani Azhoni, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at NIT Manipur, is the Principal Investigator of the project, with Dr Chubamenla Jamir, Founder-Director of Native Foodscape, and Dr Mala Narang as Co-Principal Investigators.
According to the statement, resource persons Dr. Sao Tunyi, a physician-turned agri-entrepreneur, and Chokhone Krechina, Founder and CEO of Dianthe Private Limited, conducted the training sessions.
Dr Tunyi spoke on the ecological and livelihood benefits of beekeeping, honey and by-products, and fruit orchard management. “Sustainable farming begins with biodiversity. Beekeeping and orchards, when integrated properly, can transform farming practices in our hill regions,” he remarked.
Krechina led a session on floriculture, highlighting its livelihood potential and market prospects. “Floriculture is more than just cultivation; it is an opportunity to connect rural producers with a growing market,” she said.
The day-long programme benefited twenty-five farmers and young entrepreneurs from the region.
While the first round of workshops is being held in Manipur, the project will soon expand to Nagaland, with similar training sessions scheduled in Phek District in the coming months.
“We are committed to extending this initiative to Nagaland to support farmers and entrepreneurs in exploring new opportunities while conserving agrobiodiversity,” stated Dr Adani Azhoni.
The initiative aims to empower farmers and rural entrepreneurs with practical knowledge to improve climate resilience and strengthen sustainable livelihoods, the release added.
