On April 25, the first honey processing and packaging plant in eastern Afghanistan began operations.  The facility can process 800 kg of honey per day, all of which is collected from approximately 600 local beekeepers in Nangarhar, Kunar, Laghman, and Nuristan.  Managed by the Nangarhar Beekeepers Association, the facility will play a vital role in the development of the beekeeping sector in Afghanistan.  With modern honey processing capabilities, Afghan honey producers will be able to market and sell consistently high-quality honey to new domestic and international markets. 

Prior to the establishment of the honey facility, most raw honey produced in the region was exported to Pakistan, where it was processed and sold as a product of that country.  This denied Afghan entrepreneurs the opportunity to produce an export-ready product labeled ‘made in Afghanistan.’ Now, Afghanistan will be better positioned to export directly to end-market countries, facilitating trade opportunities and economic growth.

At the May 2009 Kabul International Fresh Fruit and Vegetable AgFair, the Nangarhar Beekeepers Association (NBA) did brisk business, selling different varieties of honey to Afghan and international buyers.  Proud to be able to sell processed honey made entirely in Afghanistan, NBA Manager Manzoor Ahmad said, “Our honey is the best in the world, but without processing, it wouldn’t sell.  Now it will sell well.”