Riyadh: The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) announced establishing seven queen bee breeding and nucleus colony production stations in seven regions based on their comparative advantages for beekeeping: Jazan, Aseer, Madinah, Makkah, Hail, Tabuk, and Najran. Construction will be completed during the current year, with operations set to begin in 2026. These new facilities will complement four existing stations in Abha, Al-Baha, Qassim, and Riyadh.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the ministry noted that these projects aim to preserve and propagate the local bee strain and address the shortfall in bee colonies, as the Kingdom imports approximately 1.3 million nucleus colonies annually. The projects will improve the traits of the local strain through programs implemented at the production stations, such as training specialists in queen rearing and artificial insemination and promoting the best practices in queen breeding. The initiative also includes guidance programs, the dissemination of advanced beekeeping techniques, and efforts to reduce diseases and pests that may accompany imported bees. Furthermore, studies and research will be conducted to enhance and conserve the local bee strain.
The ministry highlighted the importance of these projects, which employ research in selection and development of local strains. It also aims to offer these projects for investment through beekeepers' cooperatives or the private sector, and to take necessary steps to support and market the stations' products.
In conjunction with World Bee Day, observed annually on May 20, MEWA called for raising beekeeping practitioners' knowledge and professional standards to safeguard bee populations from diseases, pests, pesticide damage, and environmental factors.
The ministry also highlighted the launch of numerous initiatives and projects to promote modern beekeeping methods, improve productivity and quality, and ensure greater economic returns while preserving this vital resource and supporting those working in the sector. The number of licensed beekeepers in Saudi Arabia has reached 25,644, producing 5,832 tons of honey from one million beehives across the Kingdom. The Kingdom's diverse vegetation cover provides a wide range of floral sources, resulting in around 20 varieties of honey, the most notable being Sidr, Talh, and Samar.