Tehran – Iran has solidified its position as a global leader in honey production, boasting a per capita output of 1.415 kilograms, according to a senior official with the Agriculture Ministry.

This impressive figure exceeds the country's domestic consumption, underscoring its role as a significant exporter.

Mohammad-Ebrahim Hassan-Nejad, the deputy minister for livestock products affairs, also put the country’s honey consumption per capita at 1.397 kilograms.

The country's thriving beekeeping industry employs 155,000 individuals across 94,932 apiaries, contributing to Iran's recognition as the world's third-largest honey producer by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), he added.

To further enhance honey production, the Animal Science Research Institute has set a target of increasing honey yield per colony by three to four kilograms. Mokhtar Mohajer, the institute's chairman, highlighted the potential for achieving this goal given Iran's diverse plant life and ample pastures.

Beyond honey, Iran is a significant producer of other bee-derived products, including royal jelly, pollen, beeswax, propolis, and bee venom. The country's annual production of these valuable commodities showcases its thriving apiculture sector.