Islamabad, Jan 5: The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has embarked on an important research study aimed at developing a “Roadmap for Honeybee Cluster Development” in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). This initiative is part of Pakistan’s Ten-Year Plan for the Honey Sector and seeks to evaluate the sector’s performance in terms of market trends, trade volume, and competitiveness.
According to Rashid Aman, Chief of SMEDA KP, the research study will be completed within six months, with the aim of providing actionable policy recommendations to improve the sector’s growth. The study will also suggest necessary interventions by the government and donor agencies to support honeybee farming in Pakistan. SMEDA has already initiated discussions with key stakeholders to gather insights and identify challenges faced by honey farmers, traders, and exporters.
Currently, the honeybee sector in Pakistan supports approximately 10,000 beekeepers, providing direct employment to around 600,000 people across the value chain. Rashid Aman emphasized that the sector has substantial potential for growth, both domestically and internationally, if the right support and infrastructure are put in place.
SMEDA’s meeting with stakeholders brought forward several proposals to boost the sector. Among the suggestions was the support for honey exporters to participate in international exhibitions and training beekeepers on adding value to their products, such as propolis, pollen, beeswax, bee venom, and royal jelly. Additionally, participants recommended the planting of honey-flora-rich tree species, including Sumra, Talha keekar, and Manuka shrubs, to enhance high-value honey production.
The meeting also highlighted several challenges, such as the decline in available flora, which necessitates forest conservation and nationwide plantation efforts. To alleviate financial pressures on beekeepers, the proposal for interest-free loans was made. Addressing cross-border challenges, stakeholders urged the government to issue business visas for Afghan national beekeepers.
A key recommendation was the establishment of an internationally accredited honey testing laboratory to ensure higher export standards and reduce the sale of synthetic honey domestically. Farukh Amil, Chairperson of the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) Pakistan, underscored the importance of IPO certification to increase the credibility of local honey products in international markets.
Rashid Aman expressed confidence that the Honeybee Cluster Roadmap would not only contribute to the development of the sector but also provide a significant boost to Pakistan’s socio-economic progress, with the honey industry emerging as a key economic contributor.
