Asir celebrates honey, heritage

JEDDAH: It's that time of the year again when Asir's beekeepers enjoy aplenty the sweet fruits of their labor, quite literally.
Beekeepers in the Asir region compete every year to market the finest of their honey products during winter honey festivals that are held under the patronage of the region’s Gov. Prince Faisal bin Khaled in several towns and locations. The festivals coincide with the honey-collecting season that stretches for 50 days and results in more than 50 tons of honey. Honey is produced all year long and the number of beekeepers is becoming higher as the region’s diverse, natural advantages led to both an increased production and an increase in the number of visitors.
These annual festivals include the participation of local experts from the Ministry of Agriculture’s branch in the region offering courses in beekeeping and honey production and carrying out field visits to beekeeping farms.
Darwish Al-Sufyani, chief beekeeper in Taif, who came to Asir to participate in the festival, said the event presented beekeeping and honey production as both an economic activity and a part of heritage and culture.
“Honey festivals in the winter attract visitors from the region and from all over the country. People like to experience folk arts as well as win daily prizes.” Al-Sufyani said that honey prices are reasonable for most people. The price for a kilogram ranges between SR 250 and SR 300, he said, adding demand is mostly for Sidr and Shouka honey for their health benefits. The two types of honey provide a good source of income for many, he said.