Badakhshan honey production records 50 percent increase

FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): A 50 percent increase has been recorded in honey production in northeastern Badakhshan province this year compared to last year’s harvest, an official said on Thursday.

Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock Director Qari Qutbuddin Dehnawi said his department in cooperation with the Bee Farmers Association had launched a 10-day training program.

He said 250 bee farmers from Khash, Jurm, Warduj, Baharak and Shohada districts to control diseases and improve honey protection skills.

He said honey production registered a 50 percent increase in the province compared to last year’s harvest.

He said 8,899 boxes in 374 small and big farms produced 98 tons of pure honey Dehnawi added.

According to Dehnawi, Badakhshan’s climate is favorable for bee farming and medicinal plants, but honey production depends on rainfall.

Mohammad Arif, a bee farmer in Jurm district and one of the training participants said he started keeping bees four years ago from four boxes, but now he owned more than 50 boxes.

He said honey production depended on rainfall and growth of mountain plants and grass. One kilo of pure mountain honey is sold for 600 to 700afs.

Arif was happy to be part of the training program and said farmers should be imparted bee farming skills to prevent diseases and keep the bees from perishing due to pests and diseases.

He asked the Department of Agriculture and partner institutions to launch similar programs in order to promote the industry and to provide them with necessary medicines to deal with pests.

hz/ma

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