World Bee Day Celebrated in Paktia Province

The event was attended by the leadership of the Paktia Chamber of Commerce and Investment, the Chamber of Industries and Mines, representatives from the Department of Agriculture, the Municipality, and many local entrepreneurs.

Several beekeepers in Paktia expressed concerns about the lack of a suitable market for their honey and called on the relevant government departments to support local honey marketing and facilitate exports.

To raise public awareness about the importance of bees, the United Nations has declared May 20 as World Bee Day.

Asadullah Waziri, a beekeeper in Paktia, said at the event that honey produced in Paktia is of higher quality compared to other provinces, but lack of market access prevents them from selling it effectively. He urged the government to facilitate honey exports abroad.

Another beekeeper, Abdulhai Dildar, noted that imported honey has negatively affected the market for domestic products.
He stated, “Imported honey has decreased the price of our local honey. The government should increase tariffs on imported honey to protect local producers.”

He also requested assistance in standard packaging, processing, and export of honey.

Haseebullah Gardizi, the head of the Paktia Chamber of Commerce and Investment, pledged efforts to help local honey producers participate in international exhibitions to showcase their products globally.

Najibullah Mehrabi, director of beneficial insects at the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock in Paktia, said there are currently 276 active beekeeping farms in the province, producing about 350 tons of honey last year.
He added that they have proposed to the Ministry of Agriculture to issue commercial licenses for beekeepers to enable them to export their products.

At the end of the event, honey producers presented an appreciation letter to Mr. Haseebullah Gardizi, the Executive Director of the Paktia Chamber of Commerce and Investment, for his support.