Buzzing with Potential: How Beekeeping is Sweetening Lives in Pakistan

M Atif Ismail

Multan: In the quiet fields and sunlit rooftops of Multan, a quiet revolution is taking flight — one that hums with opportunity, sustainability, and the scent of wildflowers. 

Beekeeping, once a traditional craft, is rapidly emerging as a modern, eco-friendly enterprise in Pakistan, and institutions like the Muhammad Nawaz Sharif (MNS) University of Agriculture are at the heart of this transformation.

Each year, over a hundred students and farmers walk through the university’s doors to learn the science and art of apiculture. Through hands-on training, technical workshops, and community outreach, MNS University is nurturing a new generation of beekeepers — entrepreneurs who are as concerned with environmental sustainability as they are with profitability.

A Hive of Innovation

Dr Mudassar Ali, Assistant Professor of Entomology at MNS University, has been instrumental in these efforts. “We’re not just teaching beekeeping — we’re helping build livelihoods,” he says. To that end, the university has helped register two honey companies, Alishbah Honey and Honey World, with the aim of scaling up production and ensuring quality control.

While the university continues its core work in research and education, these companies are a bridge to the commercial world, promoting best practices in honey production and helping local honey reach international markets.

Pakistan’s honey, known for its unique floral taste and superior quality, has carved a niche for itself in the Middle East. Every year, approximately 4,000 tons are exported to Arab countries — a number that experts believe could soar if modern practices were adopted more widely. Already, the industry supports nearly 27,000 families across the country.

The Sweet Science

A single hive, Dr Mudassar explains, can yield up to 25 kilograms of honey annually — translating into an income of Rs15,000 to Rs25,000. But honey is more than just a sweetener. “It’s a superfood,” he says. 

“It’s rich in calcium, zinc, magnesium, and essential vitamins. Its antibacterial properties make it excellent for wound healing, sore throats, and immunity.”

Bees also play a crucial ecological role, pollinating crops and boosting the yields of fruits and vegetables — a service that underpins food security and agricultural sustainability.

However, this delicate ecosystem is under threat. Climate change, rising temperatures, and the use of chemical pesticides are taking a toll on bee populations. “Bees are most active in spring, thriving in temperatures between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius,” Dr Mudassar notes. “Extreme weather disrupts their natural cycles and productivity.”

Empowering Women

One of the more heartening trends in Pakistan’s beekeeping revival is the growing participation of women. By maintaining hives at home or on rooftops, women are not only supplementing household incomes but also becoming vital contributors to local economies.

Globally, there are over 20,000 species of bees, but in Pakistan, commercial beekeeping typically revolves around four: European, wild, small, and Asian honeybees.

The Road Ahead

To unlock the full potential of the honey sector, Dr Mudassar advocates for stronger government support. “We need interest-free loans for new beekeepers, proper quality control labs, and export facilitation centers,” he says. “Otherwise, the decline in bee populations will not only hurt our exports — it will destabilize our ecosystems and threaten food security.”

Backed by technical training, community education, and a commitment to innovation, MNS University continues to lead the way — proving that a tiny insect can have a mighty impact.

As more Pakistanis discover the benefits of sustainable beekeeping, the country’s honey sector is buzzing with possibility — sweet, golden, and full of promise.

The feature story was released by APP on May 4, 2024.