Lavender Cultivation Boosts Honey Industry in Saudi Arabia’s Aseer Region
Abha, October 25, 2024 — Aseer’s flourishing beekeeping sector has inspired local farmers and honey producers to cultivate bee-attracting plants to enhance honey production, with lavender emerging as a new favorite. This shift is spearheaded by Dr. Ali Al-Shehri, an agricultural expert in Abha, who has dedicated part of his land to lavender cultivation, aiming to introduce the plant’s unique honey variety to the Saudi market.
Dr. Al-Shehri, speaking to the Saudi Press Agency, explained his decision to experiment with lavender, citing its potential for high-quality honey production. Although lavender is not widely cultivated in the region, its rarity and purity have piqued local interest, and lavender honey could be a premium addition to Aseer’s honey varieties like Sidr and Talh. Known for its unique flavor and light amber hue, lavender honey is harvested between mid-summer and early fall and can reach prices of SAR1,000 per kilogram, underscoring its market value.
Beyond honey production, lavender plants add aesthetic and commercial value. Blooming from early summer to fall, these plants display colors from purple to white, and they are also prized for their essential oils, which are widely used for health and wellness.