Berea, May 29 — Members of Berea Bee-Keepers Cooperative say they are determined to increase honey production and expand their business, but a shortage of equipment and production resources continues to affect the growth of bee farming in the district.
Speaking on behalf of the cooperative on Friday, Mr. Masilo Maphutse said bee farmers face challenges, including shortage of bee boxes, honey processing machines, and protective clothing used when handling bees
He said there are only two protective overalls available in the district, forcing members to share them even during busy production periods.
Mr. Maphutse however said the commemoration of Cooperative Day remains important to the cooperative because it helps them gain more customers even after the commemoration and creates opportunities for members to market their produce.
He said they were encouraged after hearing that cooperatives will be assisted with access to markets and opportunities to supply their produce outside the country.
Mr. Maphutse further explained that the cooperative wants to increase honey production because of the growing demand for locally produced honey and the need to reduce dependence on imported products.
“We wish to have our own factory where we will produce and sell honey because even though we are 60 members in our cooperative, we still sell from home, and we also want to create employment opportunities for other people in the community,” Mr. Maphutse said.
The Berea Bee-Keepers Cooperative was among cooperatives that participated in activities held during the commemoration of Cooperative Day in Teyateyaneng on Thursday.
Ends/MTM/tl
