Participants of the inaugural “ZooTalk: Series-1” on bees and entrepreneurship development pose for a group photo at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, on April 5.
KOHIMA, APRIL 6 (MExN): The Department of Zoology at Kohima Science College, Jotsoma, hosted its first “ZooTalk: Series-1” on Friday, focusing on the role of bees in ecological balance and entrepreneurship development.
The event, held at the college's Conference Hall and streamed live on YouTube, drew more than 70 participants in person and over 300 online viewers from across Nagaland. This year’s theme, “Bees: Today and Tomorrow,” highlighted both apiculture (bee-keeping) and meliponiculture (stingless bee-keeping) as avenues for scientific innovation and sustainable enterprise.
Dr. Avinash Chauhan, a scientist from the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) under the Department of Entomology at SASRD, Nagaland University, served as the resource person. In his keynote address, Chauhan emphasized the entrepreneurial potential of meliponiculture in Nagaland, citing the region’s rich biodiversity and growing national interest in stingless bees. He noted the increase in identified stingless bee species in India from eight in 2013 to 27 in 2025.
“Traditional methods can be replaced with scientific techniques to scale up bee-keeping into a sustainable business,” Chauhan said, encouraging participants to explore the industry beyond academia.
The program was moderated by Dr. Lilongchem Thyug, with a conceptual note delivered by Dr. Vethselo Doulo. Dr. Anungla Pongener, Head of the Zoology Department, offered the vote of thanks. The event was also attended by the college principal, Dr. Temjenwabang, and Nzanbemo from the Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission.
