Mansur Kakimba
6 September 2007
Kigali — The Association of Rwandaise Pour la Promotion du development Intergre (ARDI) and the Agriculture ministry are promoting modern bee farming in the country.
ARDI is one of the oldest associations in Rwanda, established in 1983. It sensitises farmers on modern bee farming and sells modern bee hives at subsidised prices to member associations across the country.
The move comes at a time new markets for Rwandan honey were recently discovered in Middle East, especially in Qatar and Oman.
But Arabs are keen on both honey quality and supplies [quantities] sustainability-a challenge to Rwandan bee farmers.
ARDI member associations are found in four zones; Cyangugu, Gikongoro, Butare and Gitarama.
"The market price for a modern bee hive is Frw14,000 but we sell them at Frw7, 000 to member associations which is half price,"
Lillian Umutesi ARDI's sales and marketing manager said.
For demonstration purposes, ADRI does some bee farming but on small scale. At the just ended expo, the association is promoting its top quality honey, and also selling some at between Frw1,000 for per kilogramme.
ARDI's honey is still entirely sold on local market. "People like our honey so much because it is pure."
Honey is medicine for treating many diseases such as Asthma, Hypertension, Flu, and Diabetes among so many others.
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