PESHAWAR: On the occasion of the International Day of Honey Bees, celebrated worldwide, including Pakistan, beekeepers and honey business traders in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are urging the government to take necessary steps to expand the honey industry and facilitate access to international markets.
The All Pakistan Honey Bee Exporters Association has emphasised the importance of promoting the honey business, protecting bees, and tapping into global markets. Naeem Qasmi, President of the All Pakistan Honey Bee Exporters Association KP, highlighted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leads in honey production, with approximately 30,000 honey farms employing around 1.6 million people. The annual honey production in the province reaches up to 10,000 metric tons, accounting for 33% of the country’s total output. Challenges faced by beekeepers and entrepreneurs were discussed during the meeting, including issues related to bee transportation, delays at the border due to security concerns, and adverse effects of high temperatures on the bees during delivery. Naem Qasmi expressed disappointment over the lack of government policies and efforts to facilitate access to foreign markets for honey. He emphasised the urgency of addressing these concerns, as foreign markets are slipping away, and called on the government to recognise the significant contribution of honey exports to the country’s economy.
He further explained that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s honey traders traditionally relied on neighbouring Afghanistan, but with the closure of routes through Nawa pas, Tari Mengal, Ghosri, and Ghakhi Pass, alternative options have become limited. Additionally, the recent loss of bees due to unfavourable conditions in containers at Torkham has left traders contemplating exiting the business altogether.
While honey production is considered a lucrative and relatively easy business in Pakistan, experts stress the importance of seeking guidance from experienced individuals or experts in the field before venturing into beekeeping.
Read also:http://Ihttps://www.orkin.com/pests/stinging-pests/bees/honey-bees
