Meeting reviews steps to promote honey business, beekeeping industry
A high-level meeting was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Abdul Karim Tordher, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Industries and Commerce, to discuss various aspects of the sector’s promotion.
The meeting reviewed steps to enhance the honey business and beekeeping sector in the province and initiate honey processing, packaging, and value addition as an official industry, said a handout.
Secretary of Industries, Commerce, and Technical Education, Managing Director of the Small Industries Development Board (SIDB), Chief Planning Officer, Project Director of the Beekeeping and Honey Sector at the Department of Science and Technology and officials from the Beekeeping Association attended.
Stakeholders shared their views on local beekeeping businesses, the packaging process, value addition, and other critical aspects of honey production.
A briefing by the Project Director of the “Bees and Honey Sector” highlighted that Pakistan exports $8.3 million worth of honey annually, with around 1 million people in KP directly or indirectly involved in the business.
It was also noted that nearly 20,000 people are registered within the honey industry in the province. Representatives from the Beekeeping Association pointed out that the district of Karak alone generates an annual business of Rs6 billion from honey production.
Special Assistant Abdul Karim Tordher expressed the significance of beekeeping and honey production for the province, emphasizing the sector’s potential to create jobs and contribute to economic growth.
He urged all involved departments and institutions to fulfill their responsibilities and push the industry forward. A follow-up meeting will be held to ensure thorough preparations and coordination among stakeholders.
Tordher assured the attendees that the provincial government is committed to supporting the honey business with a clear vision, providing full cooperation to those in the sector, and offering necessary facilities to help them establish their businesses and contribute to the province’s growth.
