__________________________

HARVEST MONEY EXPO

KAMPALA - During the second day of the Harvest Money Expo 2024 at Kololo Independence Grounds, bee farmer, and expert Stephen Konihira explained that bee venom, though poisonous, has positive effects like stabilising HIV and diabetes, enhancing sexual desire, and strengthening immunity when used in moderation. 

“Bee venom is poison from bees. People don't know this because all they know is that bees provide honey. But the venom is good because it stabilises people with HIV and diabetes, it raises sexual appetite among men and women, and it boosts immunity,” Konihira explained.

“Do not go looking for bees to sting you because of their importance. There is an overdose, which can be fatal. This is why when someone is stung by many bees, he or she is seriously hurt or dies without immediate medical attention,” Konihira added. (All Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)

However, he warned against excessive exposure to bee stings because extracting venom involves using an electric device that attracts bees to sting it.

“Do not go looking for bees to sting you because of their importance. There is an overdose, which can be fatal. This is why when someone is stung by many bees, he or she is seriously hurt or dies without immediate medical attention,” Konihira added.

How to extract bee venom

According to Angel Moses Kuteesa, another member of the Bee Farmers Crib, the bee venom is harvested using an electric venom extractor that vibrates, catching the attention of the bees. 

“Once you turn on the venom extractor, it vibrates, which makes the bees curious and protective of their territory. The vibration makes them think that there are other bees outside, and when they land on it, they get shocked, which makes them sting the extractor, leaving the venom on the surface,” Kuteesa explained. 

Additionally, propolis, a substance bees collect, has healing properties for humans, such as pain relief and antibiotic effects. Bees get propolis from trees, and they use it to seal the holes in their hives. But as humans, this propolis can be used as a pain reliever for toothaches as well as an antibiotic,” Kuteesa added.

Farmers advised treating bees with care to build a strong relationship. A demonstration of trust between humans and bees was shown when a man calmly held a queen bee, causing worker bees to settle peacefully on his hand. 

The 2024 Harvest Money Expo was organised by Vision Group in partnership with the Netherlands Embassy. Other sponsors were the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Tunga Nutrition, Engineering Solutions (ENGSOL), Techo Serve, Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), Uganda Warehouse Receipt System Authority, KOICA-K-ABIC, dfcu Bank, Private Sector Foundation Uganda, AKVO International, Pepsi, and State House. 

The event serves as a prominent agricultural event uniting various stakeholders within the agricultural sector.

It strives to gather farmers, agribusinesses, policymakers, and investors to exhibit innovators, technologies, and best farming practices.