Sana'a: Members of the Supreme Political Council, Mohammed Al-Nuaimi and Dr. Abdulaziz Bin Habtour, alongside Acting Prime Minister Allama Mohammed Muftah, inaugurated the fourth season of the National Yemeni Honey Festival. This event was organized by the Capital Secretariat, represented by the Agriculture Sector, and funded by the Agricultural and Fisheries Projects and Initiatives Financing Unit.
According to Yemen News Agency, the inauguration was attended by various dignitaries including Deputy Chairmen of the Shura Council Abduh Al-Jundi and Dhaif Allah Rassam, Acting Minister of Economy, Industry and Investment Sam Al-Bashiri, Deputy Ministers of Electricity, Energy, and Water Adel Bader, Media Dr. Omar Al-Bukhaiti, and Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources for the Marketing Sector Mohsen Atif. These officials toured the exhibition pavilions showcasing different types of honey products.
During the event, Dr. Bin Habtour thanked the organizers for highlighting the economic, cultural, social, and humanitarian significance of Yemeni honey. He praised Acting Prime Minister Muftah for his support and continuous follow-up on the achievements under challenging circumstances, emphasizing the importance of scientific and research activities to enhance the production and marketing of Yemeni honey both locally and internationally.
Dr. Bin Habtour also highlighted the resilience of the Yemeni people, comparing it to the unique quality of Yemeni honey. He expressed appreciation for the directives of the Leader of the Revolution urging steadfastness and perseverance, hoping for the festival's success in achieving its promotional and marketing goals.
Acting Prime Minister Allama Muftah underscored the festival's importance in marketing a vital economic product involving many Yemenis in its production and sale. He noted that honey has become a key economic asset for Yemen, comparable to coffee in regional and international markets, thanks to the country's favorable climate and plant cover.
Muftah stated that the honey sector has seen significant growth despite challenges, thanks to the determination of the Yemeni people. He revealed plans for planting millions of tree seedlings to support bee food sources and announced the production of over three million Sidr seedlings in one governorate as part of a broader initiative to enhance vegetation cover.
Muftah emphasized the responsibility of concerned entities to implement plans for increasing honey production and announced the establishment of a central laboratory to ensure honey quality. He reiterated the government's commitment to protecting local products from fraud and ensuring their global market presence.
The festival, attended by governors and other officials, was praised by Mayor Dr. Obad for its successful organization and its role in supporting the national economy. Dr. Obad highlighted the unique qualities of Yemeni honey and the importance of such festivals in modernizing production and marketing techniques.
Undersecretary Mohsen Atif viewed the festival as crucial for promoting Yemeni honey and preserving its historical heritage. He called for concerted efforts to advance Yemeni honey products and overcome challenges related to productivity, marketing, and the prevalence of adulterated honey.
The event concluded with calls for the private sector to contribute to the marketing and support of Yemeni honey products, ensuring their prominent role in the national economy and self-sufficiency.