Volta Region beekeepers need support

Ho, Aug. 17, GNA - A survey report on beekeeping in the Volta Region said the industry needed some organizational and production beef-up to

attain its potential as a huge economic activity. Also, market outlays for the industry's prime product, honey, must increase and be more reliable than now. The survey, undertaken by the research unit of the Evangelical Presbyterian University College (EPUC), Ho, was tabled at a validation meeting in Ho at the

weekend. The Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) sponsored the in-depth analysis of the honey sector, including submissions of strategies to build

capacities in the Volta and Eastern regions. Constrains the report listed as inhibiting the industry include absence of a national policy on development of the honey sub-sector, weak producer groups,

unsustainable interventions, lack of training, poor packaging and labelling, indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals and bush fires. The report said there were about 2,600 beekeepers in the region with an estimated 24,065 beehives with concentration beehives in the Volta Region located

at Jasikan, Kadjebi, Akatsi and Kpando districts. It said efficiency and success rate in management and production appeared to be higher where hives were owned by individuals as compared to

group ownership. The report also said apart from honey, beeswax which has over 120 industrial uses such as the textile and pharmaceutical industry could also

increase beekeepers' income.