GABORONE, May 27 (Xinhua) -- Botswana, in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, on Monday launched the National Apiculture Strategy that seeks to improve honey production.
The strategy, which will run until 2027, aims to promote sustainable beekeeping practices through a pragmatic roadmap based on scientific research and measurable targets, said Botswanan Assistant Minister of Agriculture Molebatsi Molebatsi.
"The strategy would transform beekeeping into a competitive and sustainable industry," said Molebatsi during the launch event held in Francistown, Botswana's second-largest city.
Molebatsi said Botswana produces only 13 percent of the national demand for honey, adding that the deficit is met by imports from neighboring countries such as South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Botswana's low honey production has been attributed to a number of challenges, such as honey production systems that have remained unchanged over the years and a lack of product diversification, he said.
"Low levels of entrepreneurship and private sector participation in honey production have also contributed to low production," Molebatsi said, emphasizing the creation of synergies for increased honey production.
