Ardahan Honey Harvest: Kafkas Bees' Unique Role in Turkey

The honey harvest season in Ardahan is coming to an end, with the region's flower honey production making a significant contribution to the local economy. The Ardahan Beekeepers Union reports that around 650 beekeepers are producing honey in 35,000 hives. In Çataldere village, beekeepers are conducting their final harvest, with an average of 15-20 kilograms of honey collected per hive.

The Unique Status of Kafkas Bees

■Recognized as Turkey's sole strain of Kafkas bees, these bees are notable for their tolerance to cold and harsh climates.

■The honey produced in Ardahan is among the world's four most important bee varieties.

Production Yields and Climate Impact

■Ardahan Beekeepers Union President İlhan Evliyaoğlu noted significant variations in honey yields across different regions.

■Some areas saw higher yields compared to last year, while others reported lower production.

■Evliyaoğlu emphasized that climate conditions play a crucial role in production, with heavy rainfall affecting crops while light rainfall led to higher honey yields.

Consumer Demand for Ardahan Honey

■Ardahan flower honey is gaining significant interest from consumers.

■Taner Orak, a beekeeper from Istanbul, shared his first-hand experience of the harvest and expressed his intention to participate again in the future.

The honey production in Ardahan highlights the important role of Kafkas bees in Turkey's non-agricultural employment. The unique climate conditions significantly influence the yield, and such local productions can also contribute to the country's overall economic growth.