The Jimma Zone Agriculture Bureau has reported the production of 16,167 tons of honey during the first six months of the 2024/25 fiscal year. This figure represents 66% of the zone’s targeted production, which was set at 24,000 tons.
Rehima Gali, the Deputy Director of the bureau, attributed the shortfall to a shortage of beehives, which posed a significant challenge in reaching the planned production goal. However, she reassured that efforts were being made to resolve this issue. In collaboration with the Oromia Regional State Agricultural Development Agency, timber is being supplied to help increase the number of beehives, with the expectation that this will allow the full target to be met by the end of the fiscal year.
Efforts to boost honey production in the zone have been ongoing, with both regular initiatives and special campaigns. During the first six months, 165,000 out of the 257,000 honey beehives planned for distribution were given to farmers. Rehima also highlighted that a total of 365,000 farmers were engaged in honey production, with half of them already harvesting their products, while the others are still in the process.
According to the Deputy Director, the honey production movement, which began last year, has been instrumental in helping farmers and professionals focus their efforts on increasing productivity within a short timeframe. In support of these efforts, farmers have received various training sessions on how to properly maintain their beehives, ensuring higher yields. Topics covered included maintaining environmental cleanliness, understanding the best months for honey production, and ensuring adequate food and water supplies for the bees.
Looking ahead, the zone has set a goal to produce 48,000 tons of honey for the entire fiscal year.
Source: Addis Zemen
