Tue Mar 04 09:39:31 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan’s Honey Industry Under Siege as Climate Change and Pollution Take Their Toll
**ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN** – Pakistan’s honey industry, once renowned for its 22 varieties of honey, is facing a severe crisis due to climate change and pollution. The number of honey varieties has plummeted to 11 as unpredictable weather patterns and increasingly severe smog shorten flowering seasons, forcing beekeepers to travel further and more frequently in search of suitable conditions.
Beekeepers, who traditionally migrate between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in summer and Punjab in winter, are now undertaking journeys of up to 500km to find areas with clean air, moderate temperatures, and ample flowering plants. This winter’s hazardous smog, declared a national disaster by the government, severely hampered bee foraging, as research shows air pollution hinders bees’ ability to locate flowers. Simultaneous drought conditions, exacerbated by diminished rainfall, further strained the industry.
The consequences are dire. Honey production has fallen by 15% since 2022, according to the Honey Bee Research Institute. Three of Pakistan’s four honeybee species are now endangered, threatening not only the honey trade but also the country’s food security, as bees are vital for pollination. The increased travel costs, coupled with potential harassment from landlords in unauthorized areas, add to the beekeepers’ burden.
However, a glimmer of hope emerges with the development of new beehives featuring improved ventilation, inspired by techniques used in Turkey and Australia. These hives show early promise, boosting honey production by around 10%, but represent only one piece of the solution to this multifaceted challenge. The future of Pakistan’s honey industry hinges on addressing climate change, pollution, and supporting beekeepers in adapting to these rapidly changing conditions.
First Piper 