Tehran – Iran's northwestern province of West Azarbaijan is poised for a significant honey harvest this year, with production expected to rise by 10%.

The province’s robust beekeeping industry, encompassing 6,561 apiaries and over 1.5 million bee colonies, is driving this growth, according to Parviz Bostanchi, the deputy head of the province’s Agriculture Department for improving livestock products.

West Azarbaijan is a major player in Iran's national honey production, contributing 22% of the total output and housing 13% of the country's bee colonies, he added.

Iran's per capita honey production and consumption are both high, at 1.415 kilograms and 1.397 kilograms, respectively. The country's beekeeping sector provides employment to around 155,000 people across 94,932 apiaries.

Globally, Iran ranks third in honey production. Experts believe that the nation's honey output can be further increased by boosting production per bee colony by three to four kilograms, taking advantage of Iran's diverse flora and vast pasturelands.

Beyond honey, Iran is a significant producer of other bee products, including royal jelly, pollen, beeswax, propolis, and bee venom.