The Kurdistan Beekeepers Network announced that honey producers in the Kurdistan Region generated 400 tons this year, a volume that remains far below domestic demand. Officials say the gap continues to prevent exports despite rising global interest in Kurdish honey.
Arif Sherwani, head of the network, said the Kurdistan Region needs at least 525 tons of honey each year to meet local consumption. He explained that demand keeps increasing while production struggles to keep pace.
Sherwani said the region cannot export it to international markets because the local supply does not meet domestic needs. He noted that international buyers regularly express interest in Kurdish honey, especially premium varieties produced in mountain regions.
He explained that most honey in the Kurdistan Region comes from highland beekeeping sites. Beekeepers place their hives in cool mountain climates with diverse wildflowers. These natural conditions create it with strong purity, rich flavor, and high nutritional value.
“Honey from our highland regions is considered one of the premium types in the world,” Sherwani said. He added that many countries view Kurdish highland honey as a luxury product because of its natural quality and unique taste.
Sherwani emphasized that expanding production remains a key goal for beekeepers and agricultural authorities. He said greater investment, training, and modern equipment could boost production and allow the region to meet both domestic needs and global market opportunities.
He also noted that stronger support for beekeepers would help the sector grow. Many beekeepers face challenges such as climate fluctuations, rising costs, and limited access to new technologies.
Sherwani said the network plans to cooperate with local institutions to help expand that production in the coming years. He believes that increased output will eventually allow Kurdistan Region to enter international markets while preserving the high quality that makes Kurdish honey globally desirable.
