“Reef Saudi” program invests US$ 37 million in Saudi Kingdom’s Honey Sector

SAUDI ARABIA – In a bid to boost the Kingdom’s honey sector, the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, “Reef Saudi,” has announced a substantial investment.

The program has committed SAR 140 million (US$ 37 million) in support, benefiting over 10,584 individuals across various rural regions.

Notably, honey production has witnessed a significant uptick, with annual output reaching 3,120 tons in 2023, marking a notable 41% increase compared to 2021.

The program has set an ambitious target of achieving an annual honey production of 7,500 tons by 2026.

Employing a multifaceted approach, “Reef Saudi” aims to bolster the local bee population and contribute to self-sufficiency in honey production.

Essential services, including inspection and guidance, are provided to beekeepers in rural areas to facilitate their operations through the program.

Moreover, the program prioritizes the preservation of the Kingdom’s bee wealth by implementing measures to safeguard against diseases and pests.

Several key projects have been initiated to realize these objectives – this includes the establishment of queen bee breeding stations and package production facilities in strategic locations such as Hail, Najran, Jazan, Madinah, Tabuk, and Taif.

Additionally, the program has supplied three mobile laboratories to examine and diagnose bee diseases and pests at beekeeping sites, along with deploying four mobile clinics equipped with the necessary tools to address bee health concerns in the field.

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