Imphal, March 19 (NationPress) The district of Tamenglong in Manipur is setting the stage to emerge as a prominent honey producer within the state. Over 100 farmers are currently receiving training and essential logistical assistance through the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY).

As one of the 100 districts chosen nationwide for the PMDDKY initiative, Tamenglong is being developed based on the model of Aspirational Agricultural Districts.

In the initial phase, innovative beekeeping and breeding methods are being introduced, guiding over 100 farmers to enhance their beehive numbers. Special focus is placed on scientific beekeeping and breeding strategies to boost honey bee health, productivity, and sustainability.

The district administration has partnered with Thane-based Buzzworthy Venture Pvt. Ltd. Ambarnath to launch this initiative. Nodal officers are conducting field visits and consistently monitoring the progress of these aspirational agricultural districts.

Tamenglong has been identified as an aspirational district and has received substantial funding through the CSR initiative to support honey cultivation for the 100 farmers involved.

Approximately 500 beehive boxes have been delivered to the area, and training sessions have commenced. The farmers aim for a monthly honey production target of 1000 liters. Each of the selected farmers in this initial phase will be equipped with beekeeping tools valued at ₹8000, including beehives.

Vaibhav Trimukhe, Chief Operating Officer, remarked to IANS that the shift towards scientific beekeeping will transition farmers from traditional methods to modern practices, significantly boosting production and increasing their incomes.

It's worth noting that Tamenglong is the sole district in Manipur to be included among the 100 Aspirational Agricultural Districts under the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PM-DDKY).

The PMDDKY initiative was approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2025, set to run for six years starting from the 2025-26 period, encompassing 100 districts. These districts were selected based on three primary criteria: low productivity, low cropping intensity, and low credit disbursement.

This initiative seeks to enhance national honey production, taking advantage of India’s significant increase in honey output over the past decade, with exports exceeding ₹1,500 crore.

The scheme is inspired by NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme and is a pioneering effort focused exclusively on agriculture and related sectors.