Drought, epidemics and imports threaten beekeepers in Diyala

Monday 10 January 2022 13:42
 
Baquba / NINA / - The Model Society of Iraqi Beekeepers in Diyala attributed the reasons for the decline in beekeeping to drought and epidemics.

Alwan Al-Mayahi, head of the association, told the correspondent of the National Iraqi News Agency ( NINA ) that "the production of honey for the current season has decreased from 700 tons to 75 tons compared to previous years due to drought, lack of water and a significant lack of environment for beekeeping.

" He added that "the voluntary migration of beekeepers And the coercion due to the security conditions to the areas of Khanaqin and Kurdistan caused the number of beekeepers to decrease by 15%, pointing out that “climatic conditions and epidemics, most notably (Sirona and Faroah) prompted many farmers to refrain from beekeeping because of the material losses they incurred.

Abu Mahdi Al-Shammari, owner of an apiary, said that Diyala produces many types of honey, which is the best, but beekeeping is experiencing challenges, especially since the file of reviving the damaged apiaries has not been supported, even though it represents a large economic sector that finances hundreds of families and represents their main source of livelihood.

He added that there is no advanced marketing of Iraqi honey. Despite its quality compared to the imported one,” he said, noting that “the beekeeper’s profession is going through great complications, even though it can turn into a major economic source.”

On the other hand, Kamel Al-Khilani, the owner of an apiary, stressed that “the biggest challenges faced by beekeepers in Diyala are the spread of epidemics and diseases that affect beehives, the lack of government support for beekeepers, whether by providing medicines and vaccines or financial support for them, as well as the unprogrammed import of honey that is sold at low prices. Compared to high quality natural local honey./Finished

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