According to FAO, bees are considered to be among the hardest working creature on the planet. With their role as pollinators, carrying pollen from one flower to another, they contribute greatly towards the production of nuts, seeds and fruits of different varieties and enhanced quality, thus contributing to food security and nutrition.
With the aim of engaging with private partners to support the bee farming in Seychelles, the Department of Agriculture Officially Launched its first session of a series of training in collaboration with two local bee keepers Mr. Neil Barallon and Mr. Charles Loizeau who had been previously trained in the IFAD-ICIPE project in Seychelles. The launching session took place at the EX-BBC Agriculture office at Grand Anse Mahe on the 17th of April 2024. The PS. Mr. Keven Nancy express his appreciation to the participants and encourage them to take this opportunity to learn more about the type of farming.
The Chairman of the Bee Keeping Association, Mr. Arthur Toule and Several Bee Keepers attended the Official Launching where they expressed their uncertainties about the bee keeping farming in the country for the future generation. Their main concerns were on the importation of goods in the country especially goods that might bring in pest which may affect the industry. As there is a high demand for local honey on the local market here in the Seychelles. To ensure there is enough honey for the demand, there is a need to increase the beekeeping activity in the country. This directly relates to increased number of queen bees, which is essential for a bee colony. Amongst its other responsibilities, the queen bee is responsible to lay enough eggs, to produce more workers, to ensure more honey production. How to ensure there is enough queen bee to enable farmers to create more colonies, or “rearing of queen bee” is the main objective in the series of training that will be facilitated.
To reach out and Strengthen Bee Farming in the country, The Agriculture Department will continuously find ways to heighten its expertise, and deliverables as well as promoting a culture of education in collaborative ways.