HERAT (Pajhwok): The Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock says 250 tonnes of pure honey have been produced in western Herat this year, marking a 45 percent increase compared to last year.
Mawlavi Mohammad Omar Qasid, head of the department’s livestock affairs, said the honey was harvested from about 30,000 beehives across the province.
According to the department, Herat produced 170 tonnes of honey last year, with this year’s output increasing by 80 tonnes.
Qasid said about 600 tonnes of counterfeit and substandard honey had also been collected from markets across the province this year.
He said the seized honey would be destroyed after legal procedures were completed to protect consumers and support domestic producers.
Meanwhile, local beekeepers welcomed the increase in honey production but urged the Islamic Emirate to tighten market oversight and prevent the sale of counterfeit and low-quality honey.
Javid Haqmal, a beekeeper in Herat, called for specialised training programmes, technical support and improved marketing opportunities to help enhance the quality and sales of locally produced honey.
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