Van beekeeper expands business from 10 to 650 hives

Muhlis Kızıl, a 46-year-old beekeeper in the Bahçesaray district of Van, Turkey, has expanded his business from just 10 hives to 650 hives over a 28-year period. Kızıl began his career by selling a cow inherited from his father to purchase his initial hives.

Operating at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters, Kızıl produces honey using natural methods without the use of sugar. He currently exports approximately 90 kilograms of honey annually to customers in Germany, while also distributing products throughout various provinces in Turkey.

Despite seasonal changes affecting yields, Kızıl expects a harvest of approximately 3 tons of honey this year. He has expressed ambitions to further expand his operations to reach between 1,000 and 2,000 hives.