GUWAHATI, May 17: Aaranyak in collaboration with CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat organised a “Two-day Training Program on Beekeeping and Honey Bee Hive Distribution” with the villagers of Kohora River Basin (KRB) and Diring River Basin (DRB) at Community Resource Center, Chandrasing Rongpi village, Kohora, Karbi Anglong, Assam during 13-14 May. This was informed through a press statement by Aaranyak publicity secretary Dr Alolika Sinha here on Wednesday.
The NGO in their press statement informed that the objective of the training was to introduce, promote and orient the interested individuals on beekeeping in the area of KRB as a part of alternative sustainable livelihood. The training also featured practical hands-on experience. Saikia revised the procedures of the first day and introduced the terms and names of various equipment and parts used in apiculture. He guided a participant, Sanjit Bey, to practically perform all the process step by step for better learning, said the NGO.
Dr. Sastry with his words inspired the farmers to come forward to work for better and sustainable livelihood in a ‘scientific approach’ and assured to extend helping hands whenever needed. Dr. Bhuyan briefed the farmers on various benefits of Beekeeping in all aspects as economic, health, crop production, commercial, etc. He, along with his team member, Satya Saikia, demonstrated the process of transferring Bee colonies, maintaining them and other necessary processes for successful apiculture. CSIR-NEIST also distributed Beehives, flower saplings and required gear to the participants as an encouragement to start apiculture. For the training to be effective, Sonarson Rongpi, from Jirsong Asong NGO translated the entire training processes and demonstration to the participants in Karbi language.
Dr. G. Narahari Sastry, Director of CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat, Dr. Mantu Bhuyan, Senior Principal Scientist and Dr. S.B Wann, Chief Scientist of CSIR-NEIST and Jayanta Kr. Sarma, Senior Program Associate (NRMP) of Aaranyak was also present in the programme. Other members from CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat, who were also present include Dr. Twahira Begum, Scientist; Dr. Sumit Singh; Dr. Kikrusenuo Kiewhuo, Post Doctoral Fellow; Lipsa Priyadarsinee, Research Scholar and Ravi Kumar, Technical Assistant.
After the conclusion of the training, all the participants were awarded a participation certificate, along with beehives, flower saplings, bee-boxes, net, protection hats and bee box stands.
The participants have also expressed their gratitude towards Aaranyak and CSIR-NEIST for his wonderful experience in the training program. He shared that, this training will help them to manage honey bees better and hoped that the initiative will bring prosperity and livelihood opportunities.