At a Glance

• Kurdistan Region honey production surpassed 800 tons this year, successfully doubling the previous year's total yield.
• The Ministry of Agriculture banned foreign honey imports to protect local producers from smuggling.
• The award-winning sector supports 15,000 active beekeepers managing 800,000 bee colonies.

The head of the Kurdistan Beekeepers Network announced that honey production in the Kurdistan Region has reached over 800 tons this year, doubling last year's total yield of 400 tons.

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Key Statement and Focus Area

• Kurdistan Beekeepers Network head Arif Sherwani stated that favorable seasonal conditions boosted the Kurdistan Region's honey production, delaying the typical August harvest conclusion as local beekeepers continue to manage surplus yields.

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The network head stressed that upon the arrival of the local honey harvest season, the Ministry of Agriculture bans the import of foreign honey.

However, Sherwani noted that import controls have not been fully maintained, leading to low-quality honey being smuggled into the region.

He emphasized that Kurdistan Region honey meets high-quality standards, with a portion of the yield being exported internationally and to other Iraqi governorates.

FYI

Renowned for its unique geography and centuries-old agricultural traditions, the Kurdistan Region produces globally recognized honey that has secured multiple international accolades, including the title of “Best in Asia” for its exceptional purity and nutritional value. 

The exceptional quality of the Region’s honey stems from the pristine mountain pastures and rich floral biodiversity, which give it distinct antibacterial and antioxidant properties.

The Kurdistan Region is home to 15,000 beekeepers managing approximately 800,000 bee colonies across both modern and traditional hives, with an additional 35,000 heritage hives remaining actively in use.

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