BY JOACKIM KULE
The Kasese District Production Officer has discouraged the people from farming practices that do not support the growth of bees, noting a life-threatening concern over their reduction in the district.
Mr. Julius Baluku sounded the discouragement on Tuesday as the district local government belatedly commemorated the World Bees which is normally, globally recognized every May 20. It was today celebrated at Rwenzori Square in Kasese town under the theme ´ Be together for people and the planet that sustains us all.
Mr. Baluku indicated that the district being one of the highly honey producing areas in the region, which has facilitated most people to earn livelihoods, they had noted with concern the rate at which the farmers are introducing farming practices that do not support apiary.
He says their efforts for environmental conservation, which focus on tree planting are frustrated by the people’s myths against some species. He called on the line ministry to enhance their research about them so that they come up with the assurance to the farmers.
He stressed that Kasese alone which is currently having a total of 2,339 bee keepers produces 16 tons of honey although there is still need to increase honey productivity.
Baluku also told the participants to embrace bee keeping because bees play a vital role in pollinating crops, and the subsequent food production. Baluku adds:
Kasese Deputy RDC -in -Charge of Bukonzo, Lt. Maate Magwara who was the Chief Guest warned against bush burning, and use of agro-chemicals because they contribute much to kill bees.
Lawrence Tusimomuhangi, the Commissioner for Entomology praised Kasese district for contributing much in the region’s production sector.
ENDS