Africa-Press – Botswana. Production and processing of honey is identified as one of the profitable economic opportunity from the Selebi-Phikwe Citrus Project that can be tapped into, said the Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Beauty Manake in an interview recently.
Ms Manake said the goal of the citrus project was not only to export end products to foreign markets but to also accord local entrepreneurs opportunities to pursue and explore some of the project’s lucrative economic prospects.
She said the current national demand of honey stood at 62 tons annually and most of it was imported from neighbouring countries, hence she said it was imperative for local entrepreneurs to tap into the honey harvesting and processing business opportunity.
She said the citrus project had potential to produce 89 tons of honey yearly, which would be enough to satisfy the local demand and leave surplus for potential export.
“Currently more than 800 hectares have been ploughed and each hectare required four beehives to harvest 7.5 kg of honey annually but so far only 25 beehives have been inhabited thus far and more than 3000 are not yet filled.
This is one of the cost effective business opportunities that will make a difference,” she said.
Ms Manake said the this opportunity would also contribute to creation of employment opportunities for individuals to be participate at several phases that included harvesting, processing and packaging, among others.
Ms Manake further encouraged communities to band collectively to revitalise cooperatives societies in Selebi-Phikwe and neighbouring villages to take advantage of the unfolding commercial opportunities.
She said that would contribute towards an increase in local economic activities, and also give cooperative societies a source of funding that may be used for the overall benefit of the community.
Meanwhile Ms Manake highlighted that the project’s first harvest is anticipated to take place next month and it also held benefits for local entrepreneurs who are engaged in citrus fruits processing business entities.
“The harvest presents an opportunity to make products that include jam, fruit juice and other by-products,” she said.
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