Kurdistan honey production is expected to rise this year despite difficult weather conditions. The president of the Kurdistan Regional Beekeepers Association, Arif Sherwani, confirmed this in a recent statement. He explained that climate change and dust storms affected the bees, but the overall output remains higher than last year.
Sherwani noted that last year’s production reached 100 tons. This year, the harvest will surpass that figure. Beekeepers will continue collecting honey until mid-September. According to him, Kurdistan honey is among the best in the world.
He highlighted the international recognition of Kurdistan honey. In several global competitions, local honey ranked first place. The region’s unique climate and the abundance of thorny flowers in desert areas create ideal conditions for beekeeping. In 2009, honey from Kurdistan won first place at a competition in France. Since then, the reputation of local honey has remained strong.
However, Sherwani raised concerns about dishonest practices. Some individuals feed sugar to bees and then sell the product as natural honey. He stressed that this behavior damages the reputation of Kurdistan honey. He urged authorities to take measures against such practices.
Currently, the Kurdistan Region has 15,000 beekeepers and 800,000 beehives. This large-scale activity provides strong potential for both local consumption and export.
In recent years, the Kurdistan Regional Government has supported honey exports. For the first time, large shipments were sent abroad. On November 29, 2023, the first export arrived in Qatar. Later, shipments expanded to several other countries.
Sherwani emphasized that international demand continues to grow. The quality of Kurdistan honey ensures a promising future for local beekeepers. With better regulations and stronger oversight, the sector can thrive even more.
In conclusion, Kurdistan honey production remains resilient despite environmental challenges. Farmers and exporters expect stronger results this year. The combination of quality, tradition, and international recognition secures the region’s position in global honey markets.
