Tuesday, April 22, 2008 Farmers told to try beekeeping
AGRICULTURE officials in Benguet are encouraging farmers to engage in beekeeping as alternative source of income.
Agriculturist William Antero said the province's environment is ideal for beekeeping, and the industry could be developed to become a more lucrative livelihood.
Lack of financial assistance, however, bugs the development of the beekeeping industry.
Antero said beekeeping is still in its infancy stage in the province and other areas in the Cordillera.
Municipal agriculture officials from the province's 13 towns are promoting the industry in their respective areas.
"It can't, however, be the sole source of income," Antero said, adding that it takes long before a farmer could recover his investments. "The return of investment in beekeeping takes about three years," he said.
There are 295 engaged in beekeeping in the Cordillera region. The Cordillera Federation of Beekeepers (CFB) was given P1.4 million assistance by the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) to develop the industry. (JC)
