PAKTYA - Beekeepers in Paktya province have been able to increase honey production and maintain its “high quality because of easy access to a variety of juicy flowers,” but they lack access to foreign markets and face “a lukewarm response” from authorities.

Ajmal Ahmadzai, who has been in the business for more than five years, said there was no honey-processing facility in the province. He alleged some beekeepers compromised honey quality through adulteration.

The head of the Honey Traders Association, Bahai Jan, said the yield, which remained between 10 and 15 tonnes two years ago, has jumped to 50 tonnes. Mr. Jan accused the government of failing to provide beekeepers with the kind of assistance they needed, except a few hives, training courses and medicine.

The chamber’s head for Paktya, Abdul Nasir Elamyar, said he planned to showcase locally produced honey at foreign exhibitions and that currently he was in contact with the Afghan ambassador to Kuwait in this regard.

Source: Awoshtoon Radio (Paktya)