More than 60 individuals involved in beekeeping will benefit from a project launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, it was revealed during a recent virtual workshop.

The workshop was held under the patronage of H E Dr Ahmed bin Nasser al Bakri, Undersecretary for Agriculture in the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources, with the participation of 14 entities from various government institutions, representatives of the private sector, the beekeepers’ association and beekeepers.

H E Dr Bakri said, “The implementation of the project to promote and develop honey bee products in the sultanate, which is funded by the Oman India Fertilizer Company, comes as a continuation of the ministry’s efforts in developing this sector. 

“The project aims to address some of the challenges facing the growth of this sector, such as providing programmes to develop the organisational and technical capabilities of those involved in apiculture, enhancing the technical skills of beekeepers and developing capabilities in production and marketing of Omani honey, in addition to working on developing a technical platform for knowledge exchange and experience among those working in this sector.”

He added that over 60 people will benefit from this project, including breeders, marketers and sellers of honey bee supplies registered with Riyada, as well as breeders registered with the ministry and individuals from social security and limited income families.

“The project will provide a permanent source of income for the participants, supply the Omani market with about 72 tonnes of high-quality honey, cover the beekeepers’ needs with about 5,000 queen bees, and increase the number of beehives to 8,000 annually,” said H E Dr Bakri.

“Statistics for the year 2020 indicate that the number of beekeepers in the various governorates of the sultanate reached 7,165 breeders. The total number of hives was approximately 138,000 with a total production of 6mn kg, and marketing value reaching more than RO12mn. This gives a clear indication of the success of the ministry’s efforts and policies in supporting this sector,” H E Dr Bakri added.