Kunduz honey production records 35 percent increase

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): A 35 percent increase has been recorded in production of honey in northern Kunduz province last year compared to the previous year’s harvest.

The Kunduz Department of Agriculture says that 58000 kilograms of honey was produced in the province in 1401 solar year — 35 percent up compared to 1400 solar year.

Bee farmers are happy about the increase in honey production, but they cite the lack of buyers, import and sale of poor quality honey as serious problems for their work.

Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock director for Kunduz Maulvi Amanullah Hassan told Pajhwok that 37500 kg of honey was produced in 1400 solar year in the province.

But the production jumped to 58,400 kilograms in 1401, showing an increase of 35 percent, he added.

Hassan attributed the increase in honey production to the increase in bee farms, training seminars for farmers, distribution of medicines and other necessary items.

He said: “God willing, honey production will increase this year as we arranged training seminars for beekeepers to standardize their honey bee farms, and also people’s interest in keeping honey bees has increased compared to the past.”

Najibullah, who owns a bee farm in a remote area of Chahadra district, said the level of honey production had increased compared to the past in Kunduz.

However, he said poor quality honey was being imported from abroad, especially from Iran and Pakistan, which had affected their business.

“Thanks God, our honey production is very good, but the imports of poor quality honey from Iran and Pakistan have affected our business. We produce high quality honey, however there is no market for it. We call on the government to help us export honey to foreign countries.”

Amanullah, another bee farmer in Kunduz, also confirmed the increase in honey production in the province, but complained about low sales in the country.

He also asked the government, especially the Ministry of Agriculture, to explore market for Afghanistan honey abroad and prevent the import of poor quality honey.

People’s interest in beekeeping business has recently increased in Kunduz province where 500 honey bee farms exist.

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