Ajloun, May 31 (Petra) -- Beekeeping and honey production are solidifying their position as a promising agricultural sector in Jordan's northwest governorate of Ajloun, generating jobs and supplementary income for rural families and local farmers.
The industry is capitalizing on the region's rich natural landscapes and diverse flora, local officials and sector workers said.
Seytan Al-Sarhan, director of the Ajloun Agriculture Directorate, said the governorate offers an ideal environment for apiculture due to its vast woodlands, forest covers, fruit orchards, and wild plants. These provide a rich source of nectar, which bees rely on to produce honey.
The directorate supports the sector by providing extension services and training programs for beekeepers while promoting agricultural practices that preserve plant cover and ensure high-quality, sustainable production, Al-Sarhan added.
Muneeb Al-Smadi, head of the Ajloun Farmers Union, noted that beekeeping has become a key activity that provides an alternative source of livelihood, particularly in rural zones endowed with the natural resources required for the trade to succeed.
Abdul Aziz Al-Zaghl, a local beekeeper, said the industry has evolved significantly over the past few years, drawing on accumulated expertise and the area's rich biodiversity. This has allowed for the production of various types of premium honey that have established a strong presence in local markets.
The sector relies heavily on domestic labor for hive management and harvesting, Al-Zaghl added. He highlighted its role in empowering rural women and youth, who participate in both production and marketing at agricultural exhibitions and local outlets.
Al-Zaghl called for increased technical and marketing support for producers to boost yields and expand export opportunities, pointing out that Ajloun honey enjoys a strong reputation among consumers.
Arabi Freihat, another local beekeeper, emphasized that while apiculture requires continuous monitoring and expert handling to maintain colony health, Ajloun’s climate creates an optimal environment for producing natural honey. Producers are increasingly adopting modern management techniques to improve yields and maintain quality standards, helping secure consumer trust both domestically and abroad, Freihat said.
Kefa Al-Zghoul, owner of a rural cottage industry project, said her honey production and marketing business has provided a sustainable source of income for her household, enabling her to turn local natural resources into an economically viable commodity.
The involvement of rural women in honey production has seen a notable increase in recent years through home-based projects and specialized training, Al-Zghoul added, boosting their financial independence and contributing to community development.
//Petra// AF
