“Beekeeping and honey production has the potential to be a major lucrative export for Papua New Guinea and the local and national government should look into fully maximizing this”. Owner of Goroka based PNG Beekeeping Supplies Mr. Tella Loie made this comment following the successful completion of four Beekeeping Training's he conducted in the Unggai Bena District in Eastern Highlands Province last week. He provided basic training on how to take care of bees, the pollination process and how to extract honey and sell to earn an income through the partnership with the Unggai Bena District Development Authority. “Beekeeping is very cost effective and there is not much expenditure to except for the start to capital but the returns are very high.” Mr. Loie said. “All that the farmers need is the start up capital and with the training we provide they will be able to sustain themselves and their families.” The 99 bee and honey farmers from the 3 LLG's will have 60 hives distributed amongst them which will see them apply the theory and practical knowledge attained during the workshops. He said there is good honey and nectar in parts of the country going to waste that could have been harvested, processed and eventually exported when required production units are met. “Right now we are only producing 60 tonnes of honey and if the country seriously wants to export, then we have to start producing 200 tonnes, which means we need government Intervention.” “The Government Price Support System for Agriculture needs to consider Beekeeping and Honey Production too.” added Mr. Loie. “It is a huge money making giant waiting to be tapped into which the government must recognize and support now.” Meanwhile Mr. Tella Loie said beekeeping and honey production has never been funded by the government since its inception in 1975 and that should change now. Photo credit: David Shields/OxfamNZ