BY LIONEL TAORAO
BEE farming on Ulawa Island, Makira/Ulawa province is currently increasing significantly in recent months as more families venture into this industry due to the financial benefits they can earn from honey production.
However, many of the bee farmers, especially beginners who have just recently ventured into beekeeping, have expressed that they really are struggling in terms of beekeeping equipment and the need to have beekeeping training for them so they can be well equipped with the necessary knowledge they need to help sustain their apiary.
Graham Ngara of Haraina village confirmed that he, as a new farmer venturing into beekeeping, finds it very challenging due to a lack of beekeeping equipment and tools.
“It is very challenging for me to go into beekeeping as a new farmer because I don’t attend any beekeeping training, plus I have no proper equipment to work with my hives,” Graham expressed.
“One other difficulty we encounter too is the availability of bee foundation wax, which we have to buy from Honiara since we don’t have any stores or individuals selling it here on Ulawa,” he added.
One of Ulawa Island’s long-time community resource person, who has been committing himself to working together with many of the new farmers and also some long-time famers, Mr. Benjamin Ma’e Haora of Aosi village, who obtained his qualifications in beekeeping at the Telford Rural Poly Technique Institute in New Zealand, says his farmers have gone through difficult times, but they are still growing.
“Many farmers need training to help them manage their hives and increase their hives. Lack of beekeeping equipment, such as foundation wax and other materials needed for beekeeping, is also one of the main hindrances for both new and existing farmers,” he said.
He added that farmers only receive assistance through partnership programs with organizations like SISBEC in the past years and admits that not much has been contributed to this sector so far as expected from their leaders, but he says they can be of assistance to help assist struggling bee keepers in the future.
Mr. Ma’e Haora said that in spite of the hardships faced by many farmers, he always advise them to not give up but encourage them to continue striving to maintain and increase their number of hives, as honey is a lively project that can bring many benefits for their families.
“Currently, we have almost a hundred new farmers going into beekeeping as a source of income for their families, and it is evident that more families are interested in beekeeping, and the number will still increase,” Mr. Benjamin added.
He finally called on relevant ministries and leaders to help support the struggling farmers on Ulawa in the near future.
