Sana'a: The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Dr. Ibrahim Al-Saraji, inspected the agricultural and environmental conditions in the Adhar area of Bilad Al-Rus District, Sana'a Governorate, to assess preparations for a specialized medicinal honey production project.
According to Yemen News Agency, during the field visit, officials examined the area's climatic diversity and identified a suitable site for the project, which aims to produce high-quality medicinal honey from the nectar of medicinal and aromatic plants. The area is known for plants favored by bees, including lavender, sorrel, terebinth, and other species.
The site was selected in coordination with the local authority, agricultural extension officials, and the Southern Sector Multi-Purpose Agricultural Cooperative Association, in consultation with Dr. Hassan Ibrahim, head of the Scientific Committee of the Medicinal Honey Conference and a professor of plant taxonomy and medicinal and aromatic plants at Sana'a University. Officials noted that the area has limited use of chemical pesticides, making it suitable for establishing an organic nature reserve and producing medicinal honey free of chemical residues.
The visit, attended by local officials and agricultural specialists, concluded with an agreement to prepare an implementation plan and launch the project through the district's local council and the cooperative association. Al-Saraji emphasized the importance of protecting the area from chemical pesticides and fertilizers, promoting integrated pest management and organic farming practices. He described Adhar as a 'natural reserve' with significant agricultural, environmental, and biodiversity resources.
He also highlighted the area's potential to support food security, beekeeping, and ecotourism, calling for the use of natural pesticide alternatives and safe farming methods to protect bees, beneficial insects, agricultural products, public health, and the environment. The Deputy Minister affirmed the ministry's commitment to supporting the area through technical and awareness programs, sustainable projects aimed at improving farmers' incomes, and strengthening the role of agricultural cooperatives in protecting biodiversity and the environment.