Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said over the years, efforts have been made to develop honey enterprises locally as “We see this sub-sector as a ‘low-hanging fruit’ particularly for hinterland communities, some of which are very remote.”
Recent statistics reveal that there are 300 beekeepers in Guyana with about 2000 hives, “a very small number,” the minister said since estimates show that Guyana’s forested areas have the capacity to accommodate 17 million hives that could generate an export revenue of more than US $800M.”
Cabinet has also identified beekeeping as an activity that could transform village economies, especially in the hinterland.
However, some constraints, such as the availability of skills in this field have also been noted. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who also attended the forum, noted that “beekeeping and the sale of honey and bee products is one of the areas of great potential in Guyana.” The Prime Minister has been spearheading a beekeeping project in Kamarang, Region Seven, for the past seven years.
According to GINA, the ministry currently does not have the services of a beekeeping expert however with the recent founding of Livestock Development Authority (LDA) a beekeeping/honey production unit will be instituted. Persaud said that in the coming weeks the ministry will engage the services of a Cuban expert to harness the full potential of the sub-sector.
He also pointed out that local honey is not inferior to that which is imported; rather it is of a much higher quality. The minister said the process of exporting honey includes meeting several requirements such as the well-being of the local bee population, which the LDA will undertake. Guyana imports close to 5000 gallons of honey per annum.
The Inter-American Institute for Corporation and Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organisation also participated in the forum.
