The North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) and the India Honey Alliance (IHA) have entered into a strategic partnership to transform the honey and beekeeping sector in North-East India. This collaboration, formalized through a five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU), aims to create a resilient and sustainable honey ecosystem.
Strategic Objectives
The MoU outlines several strategic objectives:
- Capacity Building: Enhance skills and knowledge among beekeepers.
- Technical Support: Develop systems to support North-East honey production.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Promote beekeeping as a tool for conservation.
- Market Alignment: Align production with domestic and international market demands.
"The North Eastern Region holds immense untapped potential in the beekeeping and honey sector," said Arun Kumar Sarma, Director General of NECTAR.
Implementation and Impact
The partnership will focus on:
- Pilot Projects: Execute pilot projects to test and refine strategies.
- Cluster Formation: Create beekeeping clusters to improve efficiency and market access.
- Training Programs: Conduct training to enhance beekeeper capabilities.
- Value-Added Products: Develop new honey products to increase market appeal.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The collaboration is expected to:
- Increase Farmer Incomes: By improving production and market access.
- Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage environmentally responsible agriculture.
- Enhance Traceability: Develop a robust database to support product traceability.
| Objective | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity Building | Enhance skills and knowledge among beekeepers |
| Technical Support | Develop systems for honey production |
| Biodiversity Conservation | Promote beekeeping for conservation |
| Market Alignment | Align with market demands |
Deepak Jolly, Secretary General of IHA, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in creating a structured ecosystem for the future.
Conclusion
This partnership between NECTAR and IHA is a significant step towards positioning North-East India as a premium honey-producing region. By focusing on sustainability, market readiness, and capacity building, the initiative aims to deliver long-term benefits to farmers, beekeepers, and the broader rural economy.
