Myanmar exported 1,541.08 tonnes of honey worth over US$2.311 million to external markets as of end-February in the 2022-2023 financial year beginning in April, according to the Apiculture Division under the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department.
Myanmar exported 1,527.74 tonnes to foreign markets by sea and 13.34 tonnes via land borders.
Honey is commonly consumed for its medicinal value in the country. It is also shipped to foreign countries.
Myanmar delivered honey to the Republic of Korea, Japan, the US, China, Thailand and Singapore. Japan is the main buyer of Myanmar’s honey.
There are some state-owned beekeeping stations with 6,200 beehives and about 820 private beekeeping businesses operating with nearly 200,000 beehives. Apiculture and honey production businesses are primarily found in Sagaing, Mandalay and Magway regions and Shan State.
Moreover, 2 million acres of crops yearly contribute to bee pollination every year. This year, 11 per cent of sunflower acreages are designated for pollen sources.
Additionally, beekeeping businesses near the crop fields contribute to the successful yield of the crop as well as quality bee production.
Myanmar annually produces about 7,000 tonnes of honey, with a production capacity of 70 pounds per beehive. Approximately 2,600 tonnes of honey are shipped to foreign markets every year. Myanmar’s honey is priced at $1,600 per tonne.
Myanmar produces jujube honey, niger honey, sunflower honey and flower honey. — NN/ EM
