The role of honeybees pollinating the country's fruit crops was highlighted by the Department of Agriculture at the annual Bee conference on Tuesday in the North West.
The role of honeybees pollinating the country's fruit crops was highlighted by the Department of Agriculture at the annual Bee conference on Tuesday in the North West. The conference was hosted by the South African Bee Industry Organisation (SABIO).
Mooketsa Ramasodi, Director-General at the Department of Agriculture, said that the significance of honeybees within South Africa's agricultural landscape cannot be overstated.
“Honeybees pollinate an estimated 80% of the country's fruit crops and other economically important plants and vegetation. For many fruit growers, pollination services provided by managed honeybee colonies can increase yields dramatically, often doubling production.”
Ramasodi added that this reality places beekeeping at the heart of agricultural productivity, food security, and rural economic development.
