Plans are at an advanced stage to set up a honey processing and aggregation plant at Kalemngorok area of Turkana South Sub-County.
Addressing a stakeholders’ forum in Lodwar, County Executive for Agriculture, Pastoral Economy and Fisheries Philip Aemun said that the processing plant has been budgeted for under the National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Project (NARIGP).
Aemun said the new plant would boost honey production. “The plant would be a game changer especially for farmers in Kaputir Ward who have traditionally been known for honey production though in low quantities,” said Aemun.
He added that construction of a similar plant would be undertaken in Turkwell Ward of Loima Sub-County.
At the same time, he called upon the private sector to support county government programmes on bee value chain to ensure that its potential in Turkana is fully realized.
The programmes include strengthening extension services and market linkages of honey producer groups and cooperatives in different parts of the County.
CEC Aemun expressed optimism that strategic collaboration to champion commercial organic honey would be effective and transformational to honey producer groups and consumers.
Stakeholders deliberated on strategies to promote bee keeping, honey processing and marketing strategy. The forum also explored ways of increasing production of hive products.
It brought together representatives from the research, producers, processors, policy makers and development partners.
Others who attended the forum were Directors Bobby Ekadon (Livestock Production), Benson Longor (Veterinary Services) and Benson Akol (Cooperative) as well as Deputy Director for Livestock Marketing Ernest Anzenze.
By Peter Gitonga
