By Claudia Gardner, Gleaner WriterLUCEA, Hanover:
THE HANOVER Bee Farmers' Association will be establishing two apiaries in the parish to assist in fulfilling the increasing demand for honey both locally and overseas.
Just over two weeks ago, bee farmers in the hilly, rural community of Maryland began clearing lands where some of the bees will be raised.
According to Lurline Holness-Muir, president of the association, several areas in Hanover were suitable for beekeeping, as there abound flowering plants.
"Bee farming is a very profitable venture," she told Farmers Weekly. "It provides many ordinary farmers in the parish with additional income and as honeybees help pollination, it helps biodiversity conservation."
According to Mrs. Holness-Muir, the rearing of bees could also be a solution to Hanover's problem of unemployment, especially among youth.
"We need thousands more bee farmers all across Jamaica," she said, noting that the association was willing to provide technical assistance and training free of cost for bee farmers.
In the meantime, she said that the association would be conducting more demonstrations in communities on environmentally-friendly techniques for beekeeping and honey harvesting.
