Beneath the smog-filled skies of Punjab, beekeepers embark on long journeys, moving their hives hundreds of kilometers in search of cleaner air, favorable weather, and blossoming flowers. With climate change and pollution drastically impacting honey production, this migration has become a survival necessity.
Seasonal Migration for Honey Production
Pakistani beekeepers traditionally move between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in summer and Punjab in winter. However, erratic weather patterns have forced them to relocate more frequently. Extreme smog levels this winter, coupled with minimal rainfall, severely affected bee activity, causing mass hive losses. Malik Hussain Khan, a beekeeper, shared how he had to move his bees every few weeks to counter weather disruptions.
Climate Change Threatens Honey Production
The impact of climate change on honey production in Pakistan is evident. The Honey Bee Research Institute (HBRI) in Islamabad reports a 15% drop in honey yield since 2022. Flowers, essential for nectar collection, are disappearing due to unpredictable rainfall, heatwaves, and pollution. Researchers warn that a declining bee population not only threatens honey production but also endangers food security, as bees play a crucial role in pollination.
With deforestation reducing green spaces, beekeepers like Sherzaman Momaan recall a time when their bees thrived without constant relocation. Rising fuel prices have made frequent migrations costly, while beekeepers setting up in new areas often face challenges from landowners.
To combat extreme temperatures, former beekeeper Abdullah Chaudry has designed modern hives with better ventilation. These hives enhance honey production by 10%, providing some hope for beekeepers. However, as climate change intensifies, beekeepers continue their relentless search for safer, flower-rich lands.
