MUSCAT: The office of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in the Sultanate of Oman has applauded the efforts taken by the Ministry of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries and Water Resources.

The ministry has made an innovative partnership with the private sector in the field of beekeeping to develop farming systems, implement programs and initiatives to raise beekeeping standards as well as improve its quality and other value-added products.

On the occasion of the celebration of World Bee Day, observed on May 20, the cooperation with the Ministry, the Omani Indian Fertiliser Company (OMIFCO), and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority to implement the Shahd Honey project has been aimed to promote the beekeeping value chain in the Sultanate of Oman.

This would empower and enhance the capabilities of rural beekeepers to access knowledge and modern technologies and enter the market.

The ongoing project includes various activities that are implemented mainly in the governorates of Al Dakhiliyah and North Al Sharqiyah. The aim is to enhance the capabilities of small and medium-sized companies in beekeeping in a sustainable and economic manner, strengthening the sector, and enhancing the level of knowledge and awareness of good beekeeping practices in the Sultanate.

The UN office pointed out that beekeeping contributes to achieving many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and everyone has a role to play in rebuilding better for bees, to rethink how we relate to nature, and to enhance pollinators to encourage biodiversity, to support food systems, building resilience.

The profession of beekeeping is an important part of rural life around the world rather than just a hobby. On a small scale, they contribute significantly to strengthening rural communities and securing livelihoods.

The Ministry of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries and Water Resources has also stated that it paid special attention to the development of beekeeping and beekeepers by implementing research, extension and development programs and projects in all the wilayats of the Sultanate.

The World Bee Day is designated by the United Nations to raise awareness of the importance of bees and pollinators and highlighting their contribution to sustainable development.

Besides being wild pollinators, bees play a key role in maintaining biodiversity, promoting sustainability and adapting to climate change.

About 75 percent of the crops that produce fruit and seeds for human consumption in the world partially depend on pollinators for sustainable production.