Muscat: Oman has achieved significant milestones in honey production. In 2022, local honey production exceeded 533,701 kilogrammes, according to statistics from the National Centre for Statistics and Information.
Notable governorates in terms of honey production include North and South Al Sharqiyah with 147,088 kilogrammes, North and South Al Batinah Governorate with 131,269 kilogrammes, and Al Dakhiliyah Governorate with 126,470 kilogrammes. The total number of honey bee hives reached 130,142 by the end of the previous year.
Abdullah al Muqbali, a beekeeper, emphasised the challenges faced by beekeepers, including environmental pressures, climate change, dwindling food resources, diseases, parasites, and the use of harmful pesticides.
These challenges pose a risk to bee populations and have far-reaching ecological consequences. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating flowers, supporting food production, enhancing plant diversity, and maintaining environmental balance and biodiversity.
Al Muqbali emphasised that one of the primary obstacles hindering the growth of Omani honey production is the import of honey from foreign countries, despite the substantial quantities produced locally.
Oman is recognised as a significant exporter of honey, and Al Muqbali called for action to curtail the importation of honey from abroad. He pointed out that this practice results in significant losses for local beekeepers and business owners and can lead to consumer deception, as some imported honey products are fraudulently labeled as originating from Oman.
He also urged the allocation of honey exhibitions based on demand to prevent financial losses for beekeepers.
Discussing the challenges faced by beekeepers, Al Muqbali highlighted difficulties in delivering honey products to consumers, citing instances where delivery companies fail to meet deadlines.
He also noted the challenges of maintaining beehives during honey seasons, as beekeepers must search for suitable locations and expend considerable effort and time when relocating hives.
Combatting diseases that affect beehives and providing essential nutrition during the dry season were among the additional challenges highlighted by Al Muqbali.
Regarding consumer awareness, al Muqbali acknowledged that many consumers are unfamiliar with new honey varieties, sometimes raising doubts about product quality. He stressed that diligent inspections and certification processes have effectively addressed these concerns.
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