Apiculture: the “varroua” threatens the apiarian industry in Tamatave

Yesterday, the Dr Jean Joseph Randriamananoro, an apiarian engineer, organized a round-table with apiarists from the province of Tamatave during which he addressed the principal factor impeding the development of the sector in that particular region. In fact, during the round-table, Dr Randriamananoro identified the existence of the “varroua”, a parasite that eats bees, especially the queen, as the main cause of the decrease in the production of honey in Madagascar.

In the Atsinanana (East) region, the decrease started back in 2009 when the parasite first landed in Madagascar. According to Dr Randriamananoro, the Big Island is currently the only country where this dangerous parasite still exists. The parasite was located in France for the last time in 1982. Throughout the debate, participants tried to seek viable solutions to eradicate the parasite. To this end, Dr Randriamananoro pointed out that the company Prochimad produces biological and chemical pesticides that are designed to kill this kind of parasite. However, he indicated that the use of the pesticides requires a great deal of collective effort and determination as well as adequate financial support.