Drop in yield
Karbala agriculture directorate facing honey production challenges
KARBALA — The Directorate of Agriculture in Karbala is facing challenges in honey production as many beekeepers have relocated in search of suitable vegetation, officials said.
Bahir Ghali, the directorate’s public relations director, said efforts are underway to bolster the sector. “The Ministry of Agriculture is already taking measures to support this vital sector,” Ghali told 964media. These include planting bee-friendly trees such as eucalyptus, palm, and olive, alongside efforts to enhance vegetation cover.
However, Ghali noted, these initiatives will take time to impact. Until then, the Ministry permits beekeepers to relocate their hives within and beyond the province to find adequate flowering plants.
Weather and climate significantly affect beekeeping, especially the scarcity of vegetation, which is crucial for honey production, Ghali added.
Although Karbala boasts seasonal orchards that provide flowers, beekeepers need more consistent options. The Ministry of Agriculture has thus allowed the movement of apiaries to optimize flower access.
Additionally, the Karbala Agriculture Directorate offers several services to support beekeepers, including disease treatment, laboratory testing, apiary supervision, licensing, and advisory services.
Ali Al-Murshidi, head of the Karbala Beekeepers Association, highlighted the impact of environmental changes on honey yield. “Climate change and reduced water releases have led to a decrease in the natural honey production of a single hive. From 2012 to 2020, a hive produced 12 kg of honey. However, in 2022 and 2023, production dropped to 7-9 kg,” Al-Murshidi said. The necessity of moving hives outside Karbala presents logistical and financial challenges, he added.
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