ERBIL — Due to clashes between the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Turkish army in the border areas of the Kurdistan Region, this year’s honey production in the region is likely to be reduced by 90 percent.

Arif Sherwani, head of the Kurdistan Beekeepers Network, told BasNews that honey production this year is very low for several reasons.

“One of the reasons is that this year, the Bradost region in the Soran administration territories did not allow bees from other provinces to enter their area,” Sherwani said.

He explained that another factor contributing to the decline in honey production is the cold weather in the mountainous areas.

“In previous years, we used to use fans at this time, but this year we haven’t used them yet,” Sherwani added.

He also revealed that the main reason for the decline in honey production is the ongoing conflict between Turkey and the PKK.

“The war has had a significant impact. In mountainous areas, especially in Duhok province, beekeepers have been forced to move because either the PKK is present or Turkey is shelling them. This has greatly affected honey production,” he noted.

Sherwani, who is also a beekeeper, believes that compared to previous years, this year’s honey production will be reduced by 90%, especially with about 10 days left to harvest the crop.

The conflict between the PKK and Turkey has negatively impacted most aspects of life in the affected areas, destroying the environment and resulting in the burning of natural forests.