Mauritius Beekeepers Hope to Double Honey Production from 35 Tonnes

On Thursday 29th May, in celebration of World Bee Day 2025, Mauritian officials urged local beekeepers to improve the quality of their honey and other products. Minister of Agro-Industry Arvin Boolell advised beekeepers to focus on producing high-quality goods, properly marketed under a specific brand with a unique local label.

The Ministry organized a workshop at Plaine-Magnien, bringing together local beekeepers to discuss current challenges and share recommendations.

During the event, a new beekeeper’s manual was launched, and equipment along with toolboxes for beekeeping were distributed to operators.

Minister Boolell highlighted the significant potential of Mauritian beekeepers to produce better quality honey.

He emphasized the need for sustainable, practical solutions and encouraged all stakeholders to work together as trusted partners to develop the sector.

The ministry plans to create an environment that supports more flowering plants for bees and to help beekeepers operate more effectively, including the production of beehives.

He also recommended additional training for beekeepers to professionalize their skills. The goal is to improve productivity and increase honey harvests.

Junior Minister Fabrice David stressed the importance of World Bee Day in raising awareness about the vital role bees and pollinators play in human health and ecological balance.

This year’s theme, “Bee inspired by nature to nourish us,” highlights bees’ essential contribution to agriculture, food security, and ecosystems, while also addressing increasing threats faced globally.

David encouraged local beekeepers to expand their activities, noting that Mauritius has a large honey market with an annual consumption of 300 tonnes.

Currently, 659 beekeepers manage around 4,200 hives nationwide, producing only 35 tonnes of honey per year, indicating room for growth.

Oskar Benedikt, the European Union ambassador to Mauritius, emphasized the importance of developing the beekeeping economy.

He called for the formation of cooperatives and associations to help local beekeepers become more professional.

Benedikt expressed hope that Mauritius and Rodrigues will achieve Geographical Indication (GI) status for their honey, which would boost the sector’s reputation.

He also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to protecting biodiversity, in line with the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Source: Le Mauricien