Addis Ababa: Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture announced plan to produce 375,000 tons of honey during the 2024/25 fiscal year through its ongoing ‘Bounty of the Basket’ (Yelemat Tirufat) development initiative.
the ‘Bounty of the Basket’ is a national agricultural development program being implemented across the country to improve dairy, poultry, egg, honey, fish and meat production.
This initiative also aims to solidify Ethiopia’s position as a global leader in honey production.
Head of the Bee and Silk Resource Development Desk at the Ministry of Agriculture, Aziza Ayalew, highlighted Ethiopia’s current standing as the top honey producer in Africa and tenth globally.
The country’s success in this sector is attributed to its year-round bee-friendly flora, over 2 million beekeepers, diverse climate ecosystems, and more than 12 million bee colonies.
Aziza said Ethiopia’s potential for honey and beeswax production is substantial, with studies indicating an annual capacity of 500,000 tons of honey and 50
,000 tons of beeswax.
The country has consistently exceeded its production targets, as evidenced in this concluding fiscal year performance, where over 207,000 tons of honey and 13 tons of beeswax were produced, surpassing the initial goals, he said.
Beekeeping has been identified as a crucial economic driver that complements other agricultural activities.
Research has shown that bee cultivation significantly enhances the productivity of coffee, crops, oilseeds, avocado, mango, and various fruits and vegetables.
The success in honey production has also created employment opportunities, particularly for youth, by promoting beekeeping as a viable career option.
According to the head, the Green Legacy and ‘Bounty of the Basket’ development initiatives have further boosted honey yields by enabling bees to forage from both natural and artificial forests, as well as agricultural crops.
Ethiopia has begun exporting honey to European markets, contributing to its foreign exchange earnings.
To capitalize on
this opportunity, the government is developing strategies to increase honey exports and improve production processes, the head said.
Aziza further stated that the country boasts 11 distinct types of honey, each with unique properties. He also emphasized the nutritional benefits of honey consumption, highlighting its potential to improve dietary health.
By aligning with the ‘Bounty of the Basket’ program and enhancing beekeepers’ capabilities, Ethiopia has managed to increase the average annual honey harvesting frequency to four times per year, significantly boosting overall production.
As Ethiopia continues to invest in its beekeeping sector, it aims to strengthen its position in the global honey market while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and rural economic development.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency