Pandemic does not hinder Omani honey output

The marketing outlets for the sale of Omani honey, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in malls and online shopping platforms, achieved positive results, as the quantity sold amounted to three tonnes worth RO 50,000.

The types of honey that are marketed predominantly are Sidr, Simr and multi flora — from different sources of flowers. But also popular are frankincense honey from Dhofar as well as Arabica gum.

There are almost 6,000 beekeepers in Oman and the youth continues to be drawn to this traditional occupation.

The ministry had organised separate two batches of beekeepers at Oman Avenues Mall and Muscat Grand Mall.

Senior Quality Specialist at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Dr Hassan al Lawati, said this year there were the challenges of the pandemic and coinciding with the summer holiday season. Nevertheless the beekeepers marketed their products.

“There was a dip in the number of participants as usually we have about 60 to 70 beekeepers but this year we only had 55 beekeepers. We had two batches of 12 beekeepers (each batch stayed for four days) at Oman Avenues Mall, while two batches of 18 participants were at Muscat Grand Mall, from August 24 to 31’’, he explained.

Dr Hassan explained that there are two seasons for Omani

Honey and they are summer honey during June and July and the second season in the period of October and November which is when Sidr honey is produced.

“So accordingly the ministry conducts two shows to promote Omani Honey. Next show will be in December. Beekeeping is practised throughout Oman — Al Batinah, Al Sharqiyah, Dhofar, Musandam and Dhahirah. But the majority of the beekeepers come from Al Batinah, Al Sharqiyah and Dakhiliyah’’, he noted.

This year it was not just plain honey, there was saffron with

honey, blackseeds, honey with frankincense as well as ginger.