NARO urged to save bees
LIRA– The Uganda National Apiculture Development Organisation [TUNADO], has advised farmers in northern Uganda and the National Agricultural Research Organization to use friendly pesticides to spray crops so that bees are able to live to pollinate crops.
According toTUNADO, the population of bees is declining because of the use of harmful chemicals yet insects are important in the World as they play pollination so that crops and fruits that humans eat grow to maturity.
Ujjeo Mamawi Josephine, TUNADO’s Director Processors and Packers, warned that humans could disappear with the bees if they don’t protect the insects that pollinate crops.
“We are asking NARO to use more friendly pesticide that doesn’t harm bees as you do your work because if our crops are not pollinated, then what shall we eat,” she asked.
Mamawi was speaking during the 4th World Bee Day celebration at the Mayor`s Gardens in Lira City. The function was organised by Wimrob Bee Company in conjunction with TUNADO.
TUNADO is the apex body recognised by the public and the government and it coordinates all value chain actors in the apiculture industry.
It’s also a membership body that unites producers (beekeepers), processors, packers, service providers, development partners, government and all other stakeholders towards apiculture development in Uganda.
It has 356 registered members and some of which are cooperative societies. Of recent, persons with disabilities were considered, according to Mamawi who spoke on behalf of TUNADO.
“On behalf of TUNADO I would like to invite you to join beekeeping because it is less costly and easy to manage,” she said.
“In a long run a beekeeper makes a lot of money more than an ordinary farmer who grows sunflower, maize and soybean,” she added. The bees pollinate crops like maize, fruits
The Lira City mayor, Sam Atul said the government is committed to sustainable farming and tourism for the socio-economic progress of the population.
He said beekeeping requires low inputs, yet is a high-impact and sustainable green investment.
“The apiculture value chain creates many jobs for the input dealer, direct beekeeper, processor, trainer, forage farmers,” he added.
The day celebrated under the theme; bee engaged; build back better for bees recognizes the contribution that the honey bee makes to everyday lives.
It attracted over 40 honey products exhibitors from Lango, Acholi, West Nile and Karamoja sub regions.
Among the products exhibited include pure honey, honey wine, propolis tinker, beeswax, cough syrups, and local beehives among others.
https://thecooperator.news/bee-farmers-advise-govt-to-recruit-more-entomologists/
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