cable- In the depth of the Afghan countryside, where the valleys of Herat and the sails of its saffron extend, life explodes in the Balkh and Ningerhar promoter, and the offspring, and the rugged peaks embrace in Badakshan with fertile plains in Laghman, the story of bees and steadfastness emerges.
There, honey is not only seen as food, but also called “sweet gold” because of its vital resource and livelihood for thousands of families in a country suffering from chronic political and economic crises and a sharp decline in international aid.
Renewed heritage .. a traditional vibrant industry
Beekeeping has always been a firm part of the Afghan rural heritage, but recent decades have witnessed a revival of this industry thanks to the increasing demand for natural honey, and the sustainable economic alternatives it provides.
From Herat to west to Ningerhar east, through Balkh, Badakhshan and Talaa, the beekeeper seeks to turn this craft into an economic tributary capable of facing the transformations.
Mesbah El -Din, a spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, confirms in a special statement to “Al -Jazeera Net” that “honey production increased by 15% in 2024, to reach 2860 tons, thanks to the distribution of 237 thousand bee boxes, and the organization of extensive training courses in major states.” The production of 2025 is expected to range between 2,800 and 3000 tons, depending on the current trends.
Herat .. the heart of production and the portal of change
The western state of Herat is a strategic center for the production of honey, driven by its moderate climate and its famous saffron fields. The state produces between 200 and 250 tons annually of honey through about 25,000 bee boxes.
“I started with 6 cells, and today I own 35 cells that produce 400 kilograms annually. The demand for saffron honey is high, but the cost of the boxes remains an obstacle,” says Mohamed Yasser Jamshidi, who is transferred from the Gurian district.
For her part, Fatima Ali Zadeh, a young woman from the Angel Directorate: “After my participation in a training course organized by the ministry, I have 20 cells. This work has gave me a financial independence and a feeling of ability.”
Ninhrhar .. fertile valleys and young aspirations
In eastern Afghanistan, Ningerhar is one of the most prominent honey production thanks to its rich wild flowers.
Ahmed Miahil, a young man returning from Pakistan to Jalalabad, invested his savings in buying 10 beehives that produce 100 kilograms annually, says: “Drought threatens flowers, and the absence of training limits our ability to expand.”
Despite the challenges, Ahmed leads a youth initiative to train beekeepers. The state produces about 150 tons annually through 15,000 bee boxes, but the weak packaging and the absence of modern marketing systems restricts export opportunities.
Balkh .. Women’s ambition in fertile meadows
In the north, Balkh is an ideal environment for beekeeping among the rich agricultural meadows. “After I participated in a training course, I managed 12 cells that produce 120 kilograms,” says Zahra Mohamedi, a young woman from the city of Mazar Sharif.
The number of the apiaries has grown by 30%, and this gives us great hope, but we are facing a sharp deficiency in financing.
Bokhashan .. Honey quality in the high mountains
In the northern state of Badakhshan, where mountain flowers add a special flavor to honey, the beekeeper faces major climatic challenges. “It produced 150 kilograms of 15 cells, but the heavy rains in 2022 reduced production by 50%,” says Abdul Majeed Bahkash from the city of Faydabad.
After production decreased from 113 tons in 2021 to 48 tons in 2022, he gradually recovered to 70 tons in 2024, thanks to extensive training and possessing about 7,000 bee boxes, but rugged mountain roads still hinder transportation and marketing.
Laghman .. a dream of expansion amid the scarcity of resources
In the eastern state of Laghman, the wild flowers are a natural source of bees, but the logistical challenges stand in front of the expansion. “I started with two cells, and today I owned 40 cells that produce 600 kg annually. The lack of storage warehouses prevents us from expanding,” said Sirajuddin Al -Kozi, from the Alechenk district.
Siraj dreams of creating a cooperative to market honey in Kabul and the Gulf countries. Laghman produces about 100 tons annually through 10,000 boxes, according to local estimates.
Takhtar .. steadfastness in the face of drought
In the plains of fools, despite dryness and lack of rain, the beekeepers continue to work. “I run 20 cells that produce 200 kilograms, but drought reduced production by 30%,” said Rahim Allah from Talqan.
Rahim participates in a local association that includes 500 refugees who run 12,000 bee boxes, with an annual production of 75 tons, after it was 107 tons in 2023.
Part of honey is exported to the Gulf via Pakistan, despite the sanctions that hinder expansion.
Production map with numbers
Official statistics show a remarkable development in the honey production sector:
- In 2019, production reached 2100 tons, and then rose to 2490 tons in 2020.
- In 2023, about 2487 tons recorded, in preparation for the increase recorded in 2024, which amounted to 2860 tons.
Expectations indicate continued growth in 2025.
- Herat: 200-250 tons (25 thousand boxes)
- Ninhrhar: 150 tons (15 thousand boxes)
- Balkh: 180 tons (18 thousand boxes)
- Bokhashan: 70 tons (7 thousand boxes)
- Lagan: 100 tons (10 thousand boxes)
- Talk: 75 tons (12 thousand boxes)
This vital sector runs more than 27,700 Afghan beings, including 652 women.
A unique environment and chronic challenges
Afghanistan has an ideal environment for natural honey production, from Saffron Herat to Bhamshan flowers, but the challenges are still many.
These challenges include:
- Equipment deficiency: sorting processes are still manually, which affects honey quality and increases its costs.
- Weakness of infrastructure: the absence of modern transport networks and packaging centers that hinder access to the markets.
- Climate changes: dehydration in some states and rain in others negatively affect crops.
- International penalties: hinder the export of honey to Europe and the Gulf.
Bee boxes in Afghanistan represent an important source of livelihood for families (Al -Jazeera)
Young people are leading change
Despite all of the above, local initiatives led by youth and women are highlighted:
- Fatima in Herat runs a women’s team.
- Ahmed in Ningerhar builds training initiatives.
- A flower in Balkh leads a feminist movement in the beacons.
- Abdul Majeed in Badakhashan shares knowledge and experience.
- Siraj in Laghman plans to create a marketing cooperative.
- May God be merciful in a fool who participates in organizing a civil association.
These initiatives – with the support of non -governmental organizations and Turkish programs – reflects the vitality of rural societies and their ability to resist challenges.
A strategic alternative for Avion
Since the decision to ban opium in 2022, which led to a decline in its cultivation by 95%, according to the United Nations, beekeeping has emerged as a promising economic alternative, especially in the states of Ningerhar, Balkh, Lujman and Talaghar, in light of the support of international agricultural projects.
Farmers in Herat are also accepted to shift from poppy cultivation to saffron and honey.
Strategies under implementation
Economist Abdel Wahid Nuri believes that the honey sector in Afghanistan “contributes to reducing dependence on external aid and creating sustainable local job opportunities.”
It recommends the establishment of modern mobilization centers in Herat and Ningerhar, the provision of soft loans to beekeepers, and the establishment of marketing partnerships with the Gulf markets.
For his part, Mesbah El -Din revealed that the ministry “plans to establish 10 mobilization centers by 2026, with a focus on the main states with high production, in order to enhance export capabilities.”
Hope cell
From the mountains of Badakhshan to the Balkh farms, and from the valleys of Ninjarhar to the plains of fooling, the beehives are scattered as a living witness to the steadfastness of the Afghan countryside in the face of harsh conditions. They are more than just cells to produce honey, they are hope cells, beating life, dignity and opportunities.
The stories of Fatima, Ahmed, Zahra, Abdul Majeed, Saraj and Rahim God embody a new spirit that stems from the heart of the crisis, and expresses a future that can be built with local efforts and international support.
