Bee Keeping: A Lucrative Venture.
By Festus Ronoh | BOMET COUNTY,
Bee keeping is emerging as a profitable agribusiness in Bomet County, with more farmers embracing the venture as a reliable source of income while supporting environmental conservation.
Richard Cheruiyot, a beekeeper from Kelonget in Bomet Central Sub-County, has been engaged in bee farming for the last three years. What began as a small investment has grown into a successful enterprise, earning him a steady income from the sale of honey and other bee products.
Speaking to Kass Media Group at his farm, Cheruiyot said beekeeping requires relatively low capital compared to many other farming ventures and does not demand large tracts of land. He noted that proper management of the hives and conservation of flowering trees have enabled him to increase honey production every season.
He said the demand for natural honey continues to rise in both local and regional markets, encouraging more farmers to venture into apiculture as a way of diversifying their sources of income.
Cheruiyot urged young people and other farmers to consider bee keeping, saying it can provide employment opportunities and improve household incomes.
“I also called on both the national and county governments to support beekeepers through training, modern beehives, processing equipment, and better market linkages”. He added.
Agricultural experts say bee keeping not only provides quality honey, beeswax, and other products but also plays a vital role in crop pollination, leading to increased agricultural productivity and biodiversity conservation.
As more farmers embrace the practice, bee keeping is steadily becoming one of the most promising agribusiness ventures in Bomet County.
