Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) has called upon Rusizi district beekeepers to adopt good apiculture practices so as to increase honey harvests supplied on international markets.
Beekeepers received the message yesterday while receiving 40 modern hives, apparels and gear to wear during honey harvesting and honey processing machines all valued at Rwf 5 million provided by MINAGRI.
Mwiza Willy, head of apiculture program at RAB, said that many countries face honey shortage because of inappropriate bee farming, harvesting and post-handling methods.
“Various countries request us to supply honey but we have insufficient harvests. Donated materials must help to boost honey harvest,” he said.
Rusizi beekeepers have so far improved production to 7 tons of honey within six months up from 4 tons per year.
Kankindi Leoncie, Rusizi deputy vice mayor for economic and social affairs, says that honey harvesting shall increase three-fold if donated hives are well utilized.
Nzeyimana Joshua, one of the honey harvesters commended the donation and pledged to increase the productivity. He however lamented the lack of packaging materials as an obstacle to post-harvest handling, keeping the quality and access to international markets. Apiculture was introduced in Rwanda in 1956.
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