Saudi Arabia's honey production jumps to 7,800 tons | Figures and details
has witnessed Saudi Arabia's honey production remarkable growth and an exceptional leap in recent years, with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) announcing that production has reached 7,800 tons annually. This achievement reflects the ongoing efforts to develop the agricultural sector and achieve food security in the Kingdom.
The roots of interest in the beekeeping sector and the development of Saudi honey production
Historically, the Arabian Peninsula has been associated with the production of premium honey varieties, such as Sidr and Samar honey, which have held a prominent place in local culture and traditional medicine. With the passage of time, reliance has shifted beyond traditional methods. Relevant authorities have recognized the need to formalize this vital sector. In this context, Dr. Ramzi Al-Sarhan, a beekeeping expert with the FAO in the Kingdom, explained that previous production did not exceed 3,000 tons. However, with the adoption of modern technologies and advanced agricultural practices, these figures have increased dramatically. The Kingdom currently aims to reach 10,000 tons within the next five years, relying on one million local beehives that are highly resilient to the harshest climatic conditions, thus ensuring the sustainability of production.
Economic dimensions and the impact of the production surge locally and regionally
This increase in production rates holds significant strategic importance that extends beyond local borders. Domestically, this growth contributes to meeting a substantial portion of the high domestic consumption, estimated at approximately 25,000 tons annually, thereby reducing the import bill and enhancing self-sufficiency and food security. Regionally and internationally, improving the quality and competitiveness of Saudi products opens up broad prospects for exporting surpluses to neighboring and global markets in the future.
Dr. Al-Sarhan announced the successful completion of the first phase of the project to protect the local bee breed, a breed adapted to the Kingdom's environment for thousands of years. Authorities are preparing to launch the second phase, which aims to ensure the sustainability of this vital sector in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes diversifying income sources and protecting the environment.
Capitalizing on flowering seasons and diversifying cell products
To bolster this system, the UN expert noted the presence of one million imported bee colonies intended to support the nine flowering seasons across the Kingdom. This climatic and geographical diversity allows active and professional beekeepers to capitalize on opportunities for year-round honey production, positively impacting the economic returns for beekeepers.
The efforts didn't stop at simply increasing honey production; they extended to raising awareness of the importance of shifting from exclusive honey production to comprehensive investment in all hive products. These products with added economic value include pollen, beeswax, royal jelly, and even bee venom, which has numerous advanced medical and therapeutic applications.
Empowering Saudi women in the bee processing industries
In a move reflecting the comprehensive development of this sector, Al-Sarhan concluded his remarks by praising the growing and prominent role of Saudi beekeepers. Saudi women have made a strong entry into high-quality production lines, contributing effectively to the innovation and development of processing industries based on bee products. These industries include the production of natural candles, organic soaps, and natural cosmetics. This engagement not only enhances the added value of the beekeeping sector but also represents a pioneering step in empowering Saudi women economically and professionally within the agricultural sector, in line with the Kingdom's comprehensive development goals.
