Central Myanmar’s oil crop zones boost beekeeping for enhanced agri, honey production

The Apiculture Development Division, under the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department, has announced its intention to support apiculture businesses in the oil crop production zones and oil crop cultivations in Central Myanmar.
Pollination is essential for oil crop cultivation, including crops such as sunflower and sesame, to enhance crop yields. Given the necessity of maintaining beehives for pollination, the Apiculture Development Division has expressed its readiness to assist with beekeeping ventures.
“Beekeeping is vital for agricultural endeavours as it facilitates flower pollination by insects, particularly for crops like sunflower and sesame. Therefore, in areas where there are sunflower and sesame fields but no beehives, we are prepared to offer assistance in establishing beehives. Many farmers who cultivate oil crops are now also involved in beekeeping, and we are supporting them in this endeavour,” explained an official from the Apiculture Development Division.
According to reports, Magway Region, considered the primary beekeeping area in Central Myanmar, hosts six township-level bee camps and 78 private beekeepers, housing over 13,000 beehives, resulting in annual honey production.
The majority of honey production consists of sesame honey and jujube honey, which collectively account for 60 per cent, followed by sunflower honey at 30 per cent and multi-flowered honey at 10 per cent. Sunflower honey is particularly sought after in foreign markets, commanding the highest price in exports. Myanmar primarily exports honey to China, South Korea, and Thailand.
Currently, Myanmar boasts nearly 900 beekeepers operating around 100,000 beehives, yielding approximately 3,000 to 4,500 tonnes of honey per year. — ASH/TMT