Naivasha sub-county farmers have been encouraged to embrace modern bee farming in the area due to the favorable environmental conditions and the ready market for the bee products.
James Kariuki, Naivasha livestock officer, said modern bee farming is being embraced in the region as it requires a small area to set up and also because of the availability of foliage throughout the year .
He recommended that farmers buy langstroth hives, which he said are the best for commercial bee keeping and also to purchase harvesting kit which comprises of protective gears as well as hive tools.
He added that modern bee farming is very effective because during honey harvesting, there is honey extractor that is used and therefore the cobs are no affected .
''One only requires 2-3 months before harvesting especially if the weather is favorable for enough foliage,'' he added.
He regretted that some people were afraid of venturing into bee keeping due to lack of proper information yet one can only use a very small portion of land and there is high market demand for good quality honey.
According to Kariuki, one hive gives around 10 kg per harvest when the hive is full.
''This is quite a lot and will earn the farmer handsome income,'' he said.
He advised bee farmers to ensure their honey is pure and of good quality.
Kariuki was speaking to farmers in Naivasha town on Saturday during an agricultural workshop held at a Naivasha hotel.