Exporting honey has played a significant role in promoting and selling honey from the Kurdistan Region in international markets.
While climate change has negatively impacted honey production in Kurdistan, the high quality of the honey and the well-maintained beehives have sustained strong demand. This demand has been steadily increasing despite challenges.
In 2022, honey production in the Kurdistan Region reached approximately 1,100 tons. However, prolonged rainy seasons adversely affected bee populations, leading to a sharp decline in production to 550 tons in 2023. Although no official figures for 2024 have been released, it is anticipated that production will improve significantly as the adverse effects of climate change on honey production are expected to be less severe.
Ahmad Pishdari, Head of the Kurdistan Regional Beekeepers Organization, shared with The Kurdish Globe: “Climate change has caused significant damage to honey production in the Kurdistan Region, leading to a decline over the past two years. This has affected the bees and reduced honey yields. However, Kurdistan still produces a considerable amount of high-quality honey, some of which is exported due to its excellent reputation.”
According to Pishdari, the number of beekeepers in the Kurdistan Region is on the rise.
“There are currently 16,000 beekeepers in the Kurdistan Region, and this number has increased,” he added, highlighting the growing interest in the industry despite the challenges.
The Kurdish Globe