Muscat – Represented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Oman on Wednesday marked World Bee Day, observed annually on 20 May, reaffirming its commitment to protecting pollinators and supporting beekeeping.

World Bee Day aims to raise awareness of the importance of bees and other pollinators, the risks they face and their role in food security and sustainable development.

The ministry highlighted its subsidy programmes to develop the beekeeping sector, including the Omani Breed Distribution Programme, which provides Omani honeybee colonies to local breeders.

Under the scheme, two bee hives are distributed to each approved beneficiary. The ministry covers 50% of the hive’s value, while the beneficiary pays the remaining 50%. The hives are procured from registered breeders and supplied to participants.

The Omani honeybee breed is known for its adaptability to local environmental conditions and the calm behaviour of its colonies, traits considered important for sustainable apiculture.

Additional support is provided to breeders registered under the Social Security category. For this group, the ministry covers 75% of the value of the primary materials, with beneficiaries contributing 25%.

Officials said the initiatives form part of broader efforts to strengthen domestic honey production, improve rural livelihoods and preserve local bee strains.