Beekeepers: Takhar honey gets 1st position among four countries

TALOQAN (Pajhwok): The honey of northern Takhar province has won first position during an exhibition involving four countries --- China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, beekeepers say.

They say the honey produced in Takhar province can win first position on the global level as well if the government supports the beekeeping business.

Norul Haq Alemi, who has been associated with apiculture since last 21 years, harvested 3,000 kilograms of honey last year.

Alemi’s honey harvest decreased to 1,500 kilograms this year due to drought in the country and he sells a kilogram of honey for up to 700 afs.

Alemi said the honey of Takhar province won first position among the honey of four countries (China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) last year in Badam Bagh exhibition.

He believed if the government extended support to beekeepers of Takhar province, their product could win first position in the world.

Islamuddin, another beekeeper, said they were proud of the first position, but added the government had done nothing to support their business.

He said their sales varied from season to season. A kilogram of honey is sold for 500 afs in spring season and the same quantity is sold for 700 afs in summer when people buy honey for patients of diabetes and blood pressure, he explained.

He has also asked the government to support beekeepers.

Mawlawi Abdul Rahim Ahadi, head of the Agriculture Department, without providing exact figures for beekeepers, told Pajhwok Afghan News that his department was cooperative with honey producers.

It is the sixth time the Takhar honey is wining first position in international exhibitions and tests at laboratories.

The climate of Takhar province is the most suitable for the taste of quality of honey.

aw/ma