Oman marks World Bee Day

MUSCAT: Represented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the Sultanate of Oman on Wednesday joined the global community in observing World Bee Day, which falls on May 20 every year.
The event seeks to raise public awareness about the importance of pollinators and the threats posed to them. It also underlines the significance of pollinators’ contribution to sustainable development.
The ministry has dedicated subsidy programmes for the development of beekeeping in the Sultanate of Oman, including the 'Omani Breed Distribution Programme', which focuses on distributing Omani honeybee colonies to breeders. The Omani breed of honey bees boasts a set of distinctive and desirable qualities, like adaptability to environmental conditions and the calmness of the colony members.

Through this programme, the ministry distributes two beehives to each target beneficiary. The ministry covers 50 per cent of the hive's value and each beneficiary pays the other 50 per cent. It purchases the hives from breeders and distributes them to the beneficiaries.
The ministry extends special support to the Social Security Category of Omani breeders and beneficiaries. The support rate for this segment stands at 75 per cent of the value of the prime material, while a target beneficiary pays 25 per cent of the value. — ONA