Kenneth, keeper of bees

The launch of a beekeeping project in Yangoru should bring sweet success for the locals, writes ISAAC NICHOLAS

HONEY beekeeping will become part of the livelihood for the people of Yangoru-Saussia in East Sepik . The project was finally realised last month when it was launched in Simbomie village, Yangoru.
It was a dream come true for Kenneth Kambanei from Simbomie, an environmental officer with OK Tedi Mining Ltd.
It all started after viewing Kundu 2’s “Top Soil Program” which featured a segment on Honeybees and Beekeeping in Eastern Highlands.
After making enquiries with the  EHP division of agriculture and livestock, Kambanei was referred to the provincial apiculture officer who advised him about the technical aspect of beekeeping.
Not long after that, six young men were sent to Goroka to be trained in beekeeping and bee husbandry. They underwent three weeks of practical training in December last year.
Kambanei’s dream came true when ten beehives were finally uplifted to Wewak and transported to Simbomei last month. He was a very happy man after the project was launched.  He said he was “overwhelmed, beekeeping has finally been brought to Yangoru-Saussia” and he firmly believes “it is the start of many more good things to come”.
He said this activity will go a long way in sustaining the livelihood of the people.
Kambanei thanked  Livestock Development Corporation Agriculture and Livestock Department and Lopi Beekeeping Supplies for assisting him to set up his  project.
He also thanked the two officers who accompanied the hives, Jonah Buka and Tella Loie.
They both did their jobs professionally, from packing of beehives in Goroka, to transporting them to Madang, loading onto Air Niugini to Wewak, then the road transport to Simbomei village and finally at the launching of the project.
They explained everything about the bees to more than 500 people who came from East and West Yangoru, Numbo and Saussia to witness the launching of the project.
Not many invited guests turned up due to other work commitments but for those who attended, beekeeping was something new and many questions were asked.
People wanted to know how to get the hives, where to get them, who to contact, the cost, what was required in terms of protective gears, where to get the training, market for the honey, where to sell, how much per kilo and many more.
Kambanei encouraged those who attended to take ownership of the new concept.
He said that with the threat of the cocoa pod borer in the province beekeeping would be an alternative income earner.
“The beauty about beekeeping is that it doesn’t require much land (backyard is all it needs), land that is deemed useless is what the bees require, it doesn’t require much labour, it doesn’t need to be fed nor fertilised, etc. It is food source as well as the honey having medicinal value. It can be  eaten as it is or with other food such as kaukau, rice, yam, taro, bread, biscuits and can be taken with tea, coffee or Milo, no sugar needed.
“Bees were environment friendly and they play a significant role in the pollination of our major food and cash crops. They contribute immensely to food security as well,” Kenneth said.
There is a growing demand overseas for PNG’s organic honey however production was not sufficient.
Current honey production is between 20 and 30 tonnes. The current honey price was at K9 and K10/kg while processed honey was being sold for between K12 and K16 a kilo.
Kambanei said those who wanted to farm the bees should be wary of the honey quality.
It should be priority No: 1 for them to only harvest ripe honey.
He  said once they get started, he will assist to form their local beekeepers association which will affiliate with the National Beekeepers Association (which is in the pipeline).
Training of potential and interested beekeepers will commence once they organise themselves. They will be trained in all aspects of beekeeping and bee husbandry.
In the meantime, trips will be made occasionally to monitor the progress and development of the 10 beehives.
To cap off the launching, Kambanei presented certificates to the six trainees.
Finally, people were given a taste of honey spread on biscuits. About 10 x 500gm jars were used for the promotion and awareness.
Materials displayed included honey, Nokorowa soap and powder (made from beeswax and propolis – from Goroka), hair food and lotions (Sonja’s Sepik Herbal Spice & Honey project), bee pollen, beeswax, protective gear and extractors.