The Minister of Agriculture suggests a new state policy in the field of beekeeping

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, has suggested a new national policy aimed at revitalizing the beekeeping sub-sector to realize its potential.

This comes at a time when the Minister lamented the untapped honey industry and stated that the inclusion of youth will help fuel the industry which will contribute immensely to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country.

Speaking at the reception of young bee farmers under the auspices of the Youth in Beekeeping Initiative, Senator Abdullahi expressed joy that the honey industry has not been completely abandoned.

He said the industry would make a huge contribution to the $1 trillion economy that President Bola Tinubu aims to achieve for the country.

“What you have done and what you are doing is not only inspiring, it will be a game changer. The honey industry is a hidden, untapped industry waiting to be fully exploited. I am glad that this honey that people take for granted has not just been abandoned but is being nurtured by a group of Nigerians who believe in Nigeria.

“What you are doing is exactly what the president has identified as a vision that should be supported. So when he said that a $1 trillion economy is possible in Nigeria, do you now understand what he is saying? Because there are many hidden areas that are neglected and in his opinion, as a government, we should pay attention to it,” said the minister.

Assuring the youth of the government’s support, he tasked the Director, Animal Husbandry Services, Mrs. Winnie Lai-Solanrin, to initiate the Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) for Beekeeping in Nigeria and attract partners and stakeholders to the platform.

“I want to assure you that beekeeping will receive the utmost attention from this government. As a government, we are not interested in political farmers or pocket farmers, we are interested in real and innovative farmers who really believe in what they do and know exactly how to do it.

“I believe that developing a policy will not be a difficult challenge, it should be something that we should be able to do easily. We need to go and learn from the experts and see what we can do immediately under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope, we will definitely develop the honey industry. Honey has many uses, both biological and physical, in which we consume it, added the Minister.

Previously, young people informed the Minister about the economic benefits of supporting and investing in beekeeping. They sought government support in developing policies to drive the beekeeping sub-sector.

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