Saudi Arabia's honey production has witnessed remarkable growth recently, registering an exceptional leap to reach 7,800 tons annually. These promising figures confirm the success of the strategic plans adopted by the Kingdom in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). These efforts aim to reach a production volume of 10,000 tons within the next five years, relying on one million local beehives that are highly resilient to the harshest climatic conditions, thus directly contributing to strengthening the national food security system.
The origins and development of beekeeping in the Arabian Peninsula
Historically, beekeeping in the Arabian Peninsula has been intertwined with the region's culture and agricultural heritage for thousands of years. Our ancestors relied on local bee breeds that were well-adapted to the harsh terrain and arid climate. In this context, Dr. Ramzi Al-Sarhan, a beekeeping expert with the FAO in the Kingdom, announced the successful completion of the first phase of a project to protect the local bee breed. He indicated that they are fully prepared to launch the second phase, which aims to ensure the sustainability of this vital sector, in line with the comprehensive objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which places great emphasis on sustainable agriculture and reviving agricultural heritage using modern methods.
The economic impact of increased Saudi honey production
This rapid growth in Saudi honey production significant economic importance both locally and regionally. Locally, Dr. Al-Sarhan explained that high domestic consumption necessitates an annual supply of approximately 25,000 tons. This increasing demand has driven the agricultural sector to adopt modern and innovative technologies, resulting in a doubling of previous production, which did not exceed 3,000 tons. Regionally, this development reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leader in adopting modern agricultural technologies in desert environments, opening up future prospects for reducing reliance on imports and achieving relative self-sufficiency, thus bolstering the national economy.
Capitalizing on climate diversity and flowering seasons
To achieve these leaps, the UN expert explained that the Kingdom relies on one million imported bee packages to support the nine flowering seasons across its various regions. This unique climatic and geographical diversity allows active beekeepers to capitalize on opportunities for year-round honey production, thus boosting economic returns. The development has not been limited to increased production alone, but has also included the success of efforts to raise awareness among beekeepers. Their focus has shifted from solely producing honey to investing in all hive products, such as pollen, beeswax, royal jelly, and bee venom, all of which represent significant added economic value in global markets.
Empowering Saudi women in manufacturing industries
In a move reflecting the comprehensive development of this sector, Al-Sarhan praised the prominent role that Saudi beekeepers have come to play. They have made a strong and influential entry into high-quality production lines and have contributed effectively to the development of advanced processing industries based on bee products. These industries include the production of natural candles, organic soaps, and natural cosmetics. This step is a true embodiment of efforts to empower women in the agricultural sector, adding an important social and economic dimension that enhances the sector's sustainability and continuous development.
