Mubarak Mohammed al-Moazaa to The Yemen Times: Oh, honey [Archives:2002/20/Culture]

Since time immemorial, people have valued honey.
It was very much used for treatment and with the passage of time many scientists researched honey, its ingredients and benefits. Now there is a global trend towards using honey in the treatment of many diseases were considered to be incurable. There has also been a rapid increase in centers that have been established for the very purpose of studying the ingredients of honey and how it can be used to treat people.
During the last winter season, we made a visit to Almasegha district, in Shabwa governate, invited to visit Arrafaa Beekeeping Association (ABA).
Arrafaa Beekeeping Association is based in Redha area. The idea of establishing the ABA had been on the minds of beekeepers in the Almasegha district.
At first, the ABA had 62 beekeepers and 700 beehives. The ABA was granted a license by the Social Insurance Affairs in the governate to practice their activities freely in beekeeping.
A board now includes five members who are well-experienced in beekeeping and three members entrusted with monitoring beehives.
ABAs bylaws have been ratified with a view of improving the living standards of beekeepers.
In this respect, Naser Abdullah Salah of The Yemen Times met with the Chairman of the ABA, Mubarak Mohammed al-Moazaa and filed the following interview:
Q: What are the different methods used in beekeeping?
A: Traditional methods of beekeeping are preferable. They are handed down from one generation to another. That doesnt mean that modern methods are not used. Symposiums are held with a view of exchanging experience in the field of beekeeping. It is clear that it is one of the advantageous resources to increase the individuals income. So, we also need modern methods and ways for beekeeping.
Q: Is honey collected in certain months of year? How is it collected?
A: Honey is collected during different months of the year. In November, for instance, honey is collected from the nectar of Christs-thrones flowers. It is called Albakia honey which is regarded as first-class honey.
Honey is collected also in two months of the year, April and May. During these two months, honey is known as Almerwa where bees collect the nectar from the Asomra tree (a domestic tree full of flowers). This kind of honey is considered to be second-rate.
The third way of collecting honey is to that bees feed on flowers during the rainy seasons where there are a lot of flowers grown abundantly. Different processes are used to separate honey from beeswax.
Beeswax is put in a special sieved containers where honey is separated from wax. This process is known as sieving. The second way is to boil the beeswax in special containers. As a result of the high heat, wax and honey is dissolved and then honey together with wax are poured to another containers that have taps to make the honey flow to bottles or cans. This way known as boiling.
The fourth method is that the beeswax is jammed up against the hands balm and fingers and this is known as jamming.
Q: Honey is used for curing so many diseases. Can you comment on that?
A: Undoubtedly, honey is used for healing many diseases and this has been indicated in the Holy Quraan. And from the fruits of date-palm and grapes, you derive strong drink and a goodly provision. Verily, therein is needed a sign for people who have wisdom. And your Lord inspired the bee saying: Take you habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect. Then eat of all fruits, and follow the way of your Lord made easy (for you). There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying color wherein is healing for men. Verily, in this is indeed a sign for people who think. (The Bees XVI)
Tense efforts and hard work of many scientists have resulted in the many great discoveries which confirm that honey is very much helpful to treat many diseases to the extent that it has become widely labeled as one of the most sophisticated of modern techniques.
Q: How do you assess the revenues of beekeeping through your long experience in this regard?
A: Forming the cooperative associations is our main concern for increasing the individuals revenues. Most beekeepers depend entirely on beekeeping. We see these days most of the Yemeni families tending towards beekeeping. The Yemeni honey has witnessed a good demand in the Gulf States and other countries in the world, due to its good reputation.
Q: Do other governmental bodies, such as the Agriculture and Irrigation Office show any interest with regard to beekeeping?
A: The role of the Agriculture and Irrigation Office has no effect at all. What the beekeepers desire is to support beekeeping. This will in turn support the national economy.
Q: Any last comments?
A: I think the Yemen Times newspaper for its efforts to show to the public the beekeepers worries. I call those who are interested in supporting the national economy of the country to pay special attention to beekeepers by giving them simple loans and providing new techniques of beekeeping. This will of course, help the living conditions of beekeepers, regain a good reputation for Yemeni honey and support the national economy for the better.

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