ISLAMABAD: Sidr honey from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has reached Malaysia for the first time. This shift from traditional Middle Eastern markets brings hope for growth in KP’s honey industry. The beekeeping sector, however, has faced limited expansion in recent years.
The export to Malaysia marks a significant step for KP’s honey industry. Historically, KP has relied on markets in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai. The province produces between 15,000 and 20,000 tonnes of honey annually, but only a small portion is exported. Limited access to European markets has hindered growth. Most Pakistani honey is repackaged in Yemen and sold under Yemeni brands in Europe and the U.S.
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal called the shipment to Malaysia a “breakthrough.” He emphasized that it could elevate Pakistan’s agricultural profile and open up more export opportunities.
Pakistani High Commission’s Role
The commerce ministry credited the Pakistani High Commission in Kuala Lumpur for facilitating connections with Malaysian buyers. This deal was laid out during the Second International Agriculture and Food Exhibition in Karachi last August, where Pakistani exporters showcased their products.
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KP’s Honey Industry: Importance and Challenges
KP is Pakistan’s top honey-producing region. The sector supports about 60,000 honey farms and 1.6 million people, according to the All Pakistan Honeybee Exporters Association. Honey is KP’s second-largest export, after carpets. Despite its potential, the industry faces several challenges. The lack of official industry status prevents honey producers from accessing tax exemptions and incentives available to other sectors. As a result, the association has called for formal recognition, which could ease financial burdens and boost profits for exporters.
Need for Modernization and Investment
Experts say modernization is key for the industry’s growth. They recommend establishing bee clusters and investing in advanced processing facilities. These improvements would help ensure honey quality for international markets. Without them, Pakistan risks losing out on billions in potential revenue due to inadequate export facilities.
Proposal for a National Honey Board
To tackle these challenges, stakeholders suggest forming a national honey board. This board would include members from the All Pakistan Honeybee Exporters Association and the forest department. Its goal would be to streamline industry regulations and help producers meet global standards.
The first shipment of Sidr honey to Malaysia could be a turning point. It opens doors to new markets and offers much-needed support to beekeepers. With the right investments and policies, Pakistan’s honey industry could experience significant growth in the years ahead.
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