Honey production in Gaza expected to hit record level

The Director of the Department of Animal Production in Gaza revealed on Tuesday that honey production is expected to reach a record level this year, Alwatanvoice.com has reported. Taher Abu Ahmed said that production is predicted to show an increase of 50 tons over the figure for 2017.

Abu Ahmed explained that this year’s season for collecting honey starts in April. Each hive, he said, normally produces up to 10kg of honey. He attributes the improvement of production to improved disease control and bee pastures. Gaza’s 300 beekeepers own 16,000 beehives between them and are expected to produce 180 tons of honey this season.

The official noted that domestic honey consumption has decreased from 500 to 200 tons due to the deteriorating economic situation in the besieged territory. His ministry prevents the import of honey before it is out on the market. Each kilogram is worth between 50 to 80 shekel ($13 to $22).

Read: Gaza’s bee-keepers begin harvest