Tehran – Iran ranks fourth in the world in honey production, according to Hossein Akbarpour, national director for beekeeping development.

Akbarpour underscored the vital role of beekeeping in national economic growth, particularly due to the health benefits associated with its products.

The country’s annual honey production stands at 128,000 tons, contributing to a global total of 2.13 million tons, he said.

Akbarpour said the country has the capacity to export at least 5,000 tons of honey annually and is actively planning for a 20% year-on-year increase in honey exports.