THE bee is the only insect that produces food consumed by humans. Egyptians knew the importance of the bees which is why apiculture — domestication of the bees — was shown in Egyptian art about 4,500 years ago.
Learning of its importance recently, the government launched the Billion Tree Honey Initiative to increase the production of honey (Dec 22). In this project, trees like ‘kao’, ‘phula’, ‘kikar’ and others that attract the bees will be planted. This will provide job opportunities to the local communities.
Pakistan is blessed with 12 climate zones, so different varieties of honey can be produced here. Other than honey, bees are good pollinators and travel to more than hundred flowers to arrange nectar for honey. Hopefully, the government will expedite the completion of this project.