Dhahirah Governorate’s honey sector recorded exceptional growth in 2025, with local honey production soaring 138% to 97.8 tonnes, up from 41 tonnes in 2024 and 56.3 tonnes in 2023, underscoring the sector’s expanding role in the governorate’s rural economy.

The sharp increase in output was accompanied by a rise in the number of beekeepers to 1,054, managing a total of 24,862 beehives, reflecting growing interest in apiculture and ongoing efforts to strengthen the industry.

Eng Maha Awadh Al Sukaiti, Head of the Bee Department at the Directorate General of Agricultural Wealth and Water Resources in Dhahirah, attributed the strong performance to sustained cooperation between the directorate and beekeepers, alongside the adoption of modern scientific techniques in beekeeping and honey extraction.

She said the directorate is focusing on helping beekeepers move beyond traditional honey production by developing value-added products that diversify income streams and respond to market demand. These include beeswax and pollen products, the sale of bee packages and queen bees, as well as aromatic and cosmetic products such as soaps and creams. Beekeepers are also producing therapeutic honey derived from wild plants.

Al Sukaiti noted that the directorate regularly conducts training workshops covering bee propagation, modern extraction techniques and pest management, aimed at improving productivity and ensuring the sustainability of apiaries.

In addition, technical teams carry out field visits to provide advisory support and monitor apiaries, while specialised exhibitions are organised to help beekeepers market their products and connect directly with consumers.

The continued expansion of the sector highlights the growing economic potential of beekeeping in Dhahirah and its contribution to agricultural diversification in Oman.