Wednesday, October 15, 2008 Lack of gov't support bugs beekeeping industry
LACK of government focus into the country's beekeeping industry hinders the development of what can be regarded as a key to food security and environmental conservation.
Dr. Apolonio Sito, director of the National Apiculture Research, Training and Development Institute (Nartdi), said the beekeeping sector is lagging in terms of development because not much attention is given for its development by government.
"Beekeeping has been practiced in the country since 1913, but its development is still slow because there is no agency from government to spearhead its development," Sito said. "We miss to recognize its economic contribution and the help it gives to the environment," he added.
Patricio Ananayo, chief of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Services (Amas) of the Department of Agriculture (DA), said the country is importing 90 to 95 percent of its honey requirements.
He said the DA has no specific funds to support the beekeeping industry.
Sito said agencies have not been keen on the contributions of beekeeping in terms of increasing food production and as an alternative source of livelihood.
Bees, he said, are the most efficient natural pollinators. "Natural pollination by bees contributes to 20 to 40 percent in crop yield," he said, adding there are crops which do not attain their maximum production because of lack of pollination.
Educational institutions are coming in lend-give support to the apiculture industry. The Saint Louis University (SLU) is coming up with research studies on beekeeping.
Dr. Gaudelia Reyes, dean of the SLU College of Natural Sciences, said the college's four departments are initiating researches on varied topics -- from quality assessment of bee products to possible identification of properties which could be used in the production of pharmaceutical and beauty products.
The Department of Labor in the Cordillera meanwhile granted a P2.6-million fund to the region's federation of beekeepers to help the growth of the industry.
The region will host this year's 7th National Beekeepers' Convention on October 23 at the Burgos gym of SLU, aimed at increasing the awareness of the role of bees in creating a balance between agriculture and the environment and to gather support for commercialization and integration into the DA's Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division.
The convention is organized by the Beekeepers Association of the Philippines, Inc., Nartdi, Cordillera Beekeepers Federation and the SLU-Extension Institute for Small-scale Industries Foundation, Inc. (Eissif). (JC)
