enhancing education and environmental awareness

THE Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) has taken a significant step towards promoting sustainability and environmental awareness by integrating apiculture, or beekeeping, into its curriculum.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gavin Ramnarain, highlighted the educational and ecological potential the initiative brings, which was showcased recently when students engaged in the retrieval of honey from the school’s apiary.

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Ramnarain expressed his enthusiasm for the students’ involvement in this hands-on experience.

“On Friday morning, our students participated in a fulfilling and informative activity as they harvested the second batch of honey,” he stated. Under the guidance of experienced instructor and beekeeper Mr. Linden Stewart, the students meticulously extracted the honey, marking a noteworthy achievement in their agricultural studies.

Ramnarain emphasised the importance of engaging students in the world of bees, stating, “This fosters a deeper understanding of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the critical role that pollinators play in sustaining our food supply. Apiculture offers a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to learning that combines biology, environmental science, agriculture, and even business and marketing.”

Currently, the GSA has 24 students actively involved in beekeeping, with honey production steadily increasing, thanks in part to support from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA). Ramnarain noted, “This second batch of honey is a clear reflection of the students’ dedication and immersive learning journey, highlighting a significant real-world application of the principles imparted at the institution.”

The GSA has consistently set the standard for agricultural education in Guyana, and this initiative demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to providing hands-on learning opportunities in apiculture and sustainable agriculture. As part of its efforts to further support small-scale honey producers, the GSA is organising a workshop with the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) on February 18, 2025. This workshop will provide valuable information on establishing apiculture businesses and accessing financial assistance.

Ramnarain praised the Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha, and the GLDA for their role in hosting the first-ever Honey Fest in November 2024, themed “Unlocking the Economic Potential of Honey.” The event gathered apiculturists from across the nation and showcased a variety of honey and honey-infused products, highlighting the diversity and promise of this burgeoning industry.

The Honey Fest not only celebrated the accomplishments of local beekeepers but also served as a platform for showcasing the financial potential of honey production and promoting agricultural sustainability. Ramnarain concluded, “This initiative is essential for fostering environmentally aware citizens and aspiring apiculturists, ultimately securing the health of our planet and the sustainability of our agricultural practices.”