ISLAMABAD: Pakistan can increase its natural honey output by restoring regions depleted of honey bee vegetation and preserving existing ones.
“Robust indigenous production will enable Pakistan reduce honey imports, develop self-sufficiency, and export extra supplies. Protecting bee flora also helps to mitigate the effects of climate change. Farmers and other stakeholders will benefit from improved honey production, according to Dr Muhammad Khalid Rafique, a scientific officer of the National Agricultural Research Centre’s Honey Bee Research Institute (HBRI).
Speaking with WealthPK, he stated that while Pakistan produces good quality honey, floral sources are disappearing at an alarming rate as a result of climate change and increased urbanisation. “A large portion of the flora is lost each year. If honey is obtained from a specific location this year, there is no guarantee that it will be possible again the next year.”
Rafique stated that the development of roads and other infrastructure has resulted in a loss in honey bee flora. However, he stated that no significant efforts had been taken to replant the areas that had been cleared of trees. As a result, temperatures rise, causing significant disruptions to the local environment. “Modern developments are not bad, but protecting the ecology of an area is of paramount importance.”
He explained that honey bee flora differed depending on the ecology of the area. “The generally occurring honey bee flora in Pakistan is sidr, acacia modesta, acacia nilotica, dalbergia sissoo citrus, clover, sunflower, Russian olive and brassica.” Pakistan’s honey bee flora-rich locations included the Potohar Valley, Karak, Kohat, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Mianwali, Talagang, Chakwal, Jhelum, Rawalpindi, Gilgit, and Chitral.
The NARC scientist advocated for real actions to conserve the honeybee flora. “Areas removed of vegetation to build infrastructure must be restored to preserve the flora. It will not only assist to save the ecology and ecosystem, but it will also increase the number of honey bees over time. Furthermore, plantation and awareness efforts are required to boost this critical industry,” stated Khalid Rafique.
