Oman seeks to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators

Muscat: Represented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the Sultanate of Oman today joined the global community in observing World Bee Day, which falls on 20 May every year.

The event seeks to raise public awareness about the importance of pollinators and the threats posed to them. It also underlines the significance of pollinators’ contribution to sustainable development.

The Ministry has dedicated subsidy programmes for the development of beekeeping in the Sultanate of Oman, including the “Omani Breed Distribution Programme”, which focuses on distributing Omani honeybee colonies to breeders. The Omani breed of honey bees boasts a set of distinctive and desirable qualities, like adaptability to environmental conditions and the calmness of the colony members.

Through this programme, the Ministry distributes two bee hives to each target beneficiary. The Ministry covers 50% of the hive's value and each beneficiary pays the other 50%. It purchases the hives from breeders and distributes them to the beneficiaries.

The Ministry extends special support to the Social Security Category of Omani breeders and beneficiaries. The support rate for this segment stands at 75% of the value of the prime material, while a target beneficiary pays 25% of the value.