Promoting Beekeeping in the Aral Sea Region
Karakalpakstan Plans to Produce Honey in Former Aral Sea Territories
Karakalpakstan, a region in Uzbekistan, is embarking on a new venture to collect honey in areas that were once occupied by the Aral Sea. According to the information and analytical agency Vestnik Kavkaza, this initiative could lead to the development of a unique beekeeping brand known as Aral Sea honey.
Specialists in the region are focusing on cultivating the honey plant Tamarisk to support this effort. Dr. Zinoviy Novitsky, the head of the laboratory at the Research Institute of Forestry of Uzbekistan and a Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, revealed that over 2 thousand hectares of tamarisk plantations have already been established. He highlighted that from just one hectare of flowering tamarisk, approximately 50 kg of honey can be produced. As a result, beekeeping activities will soon be expanded on the dried bottom of the Aral Sea.
Tamarisk is an evergreen plant known for its salt-tolerant nature, making it ideal for stabilizing sandy soils. During the flowering season, the branches are adorned with pink flowers, adding to the plant’s aesthetic appeal as an ornamental species.
This ambitious project was discussed at the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Goodwill Ambassadors of the Aral Sea Region.” The introduction of Aral Sea honey has the potential to create a unique niche for beekeeping in the region and showcase the resilience of the local ecosystem.
As Karakalpakstan moves forward with this initiative, the region aims to not only revitalize the land once affected by the Aral Sea but also to harness its potential for sustainable and innovative agricultural practices.
ORIENT news
Photo: vestikavkaza.ru
