By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, January 20, Mana: Ministry of Trade and Industry has expressed satisfaction with the progress of bee keeping initiatives in Nkhata Bay as evidenced by increased number of people joining and embracing new bee keeping technics.

Community Specialist for Honey for Transforming Agriculture, through Diversification and Entrepreneurship Program, Arthur Ngwende made the remarks on Friday in Nkhata Bay during a consultative meeting with relevant stakeholders on bee keeping.

"Bee keeping in this district is on track as more and more small holder farmers are joining the venture. Currently, Nkhata Bay has 3,500 farmers and a good number of them are using modern technics to maximize honey production,” said Ngwende.

He hinted on the need for the bee keepers to put what they learn, through various capacity building trainings, into practice if they are to boost their honey productivity and income.

"Bee keeping has the potential to enhance households’ economic sustainability if farmers apply the knowledge they acquire through trainings for improved livelihood," he added.

In his remarks, Acting Director of Trade and Commence for Nkhata Bay District Council, Thanira Gondwe described the meeting as crucial in reviewing honey markets establishment strategies.

"The farmers need access to good markets where they can get good prices. We have very few markets and we need more outlets," said Gondwe.

Chairperson for Nkhata Bay District Disability Forum, McDwelings Nkhoma appealed for increased participation of more people with disabilities in bee keeping saying, currently, there are only a handful people involved in the initiative.