Imphal: The All Manipur Beekeepers’ Association (AMBA) observed World Bee Day 2024 with great enthusiasm, emphasizing the theme “Bee Engaged with Youth.” The event, held at AMBA’s office in Khundrakpam Awang Leikai Mamang Ching, highlighted the crucial role of bees in our ecosystem and stressed the importance of involving young people in beekeeping and pollinator conservation.
The occasion was graced by Chief Guest Maibam Rina Devi, a prominent social activist from Khundrakpam.
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The Guests of Honour included Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS) President Mayanglambam Khelendro Singh, organic expert and agriculturist Thokchom Biren, Apiary Warrior from New Tusom, Ukhrul District, Worthing Horam, and the Secretary of the Rural Area Development Organisation (RADO), Saikhom Premjit. The event was presided over by a National Awardee in Beekeeping and the Secretary of AMBA, who underscored the significance of bees and the numerous challenges they face.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by W. Dinamani, Treasurer of AMBA. This was followed by a keynote address by Dr. Atom Sunil Singh, Secretary of AMBA, who elaborated on the history and importance of beekeeping. He emphasized that bees are essential for pollinating one-third of the food we consume and are crucial for biodiversity and agriculture.
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Dr. Singh highlighted the various challenges faced by bees, including habitat loss, climate change, pesticides, and diseases. He also drew attention to this year’s theme, “Bee Engaged with Youth,” which emphasizes the need to involve young people in beekeeping and conservation efforts to ensure the sustainability of these vital pollinators.
Chief Guest Maibam Rina Devi spoke passionately about the necessity of community support in conservation efforts and the critical role bees play in maintaining our ecosystem. President AIMS, Mayanglambam Khelendro Singh, discussed the economic importance of bees, noting their vital role in the pollination of numerous crops essential to human diets.
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Thokchom Biren shared insights on innovative and sustainable beekeeping practices, organic farming techniques, and habitat restoration projects. Worthing Horam expressed his passion for nature and the importance of beekeeping. Saikhom Premjit highlighted the importance of community engagement and education in fostering a culture of conservation and stewardship.
Dr. Singh also addressed the ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which has severely impacted bee farmers, resulting in loss of life, displacement, and damage to property, including bee farms. He emphasized that AMBA has been actively working to support affected beekeepers during these challenging times.
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The event concluded with a call to action for greater youth involvement in beekeeping and pollinator conservation, aiming to secure a sustainable future for these indispensable creatures.
