V International Honey Festival in Namangan: over 200 participants and plans to create a "honey expo". Video

**5th International Honey Festival in Namangan: over 200 participants and plans to create a "honey expo". Video**

Behind every jar of honey lies the labor of beekeepers, family traditions, and the distinct characteristics of the region where it is produced. Namangan hosted the 5th International Honey Festival, bringing together more than 200 beekeeping entrepreneurs, including international participants. This year, the event went beyond an ordinary fair: the organizers expanded the program by adding national crafts, gastronomy, and the region's tourism opportunities to the honey showcase.

The festival took place from October 23 to 25 at the "Afsonalar Vodiysi" ("Valley of Legends") theme park. It was attended by beekeepers from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Bashkortostan, the Altai Krai, and China.

According to Khondamir Akhunbaev, Deputy Khokim of Namangan Region for Tourism, Culture, Cultural Heritage, and Mass Communications, the number of beekeeping entrepreneurs has approximately doubled compared to last year.

"Last year, about 100 entrepreneurs in the beekeeping sector participated, and this year, there are already over 200. The festival is expanding every year," he noted.

### A family business passed down from generation to generation

For some participants, beekeeping is not just a livelihood, but a family tradition with a history spanning decades.

Saparbek Zhumagaliev, a beekeeper from Kyrgyzstan, shared that his family has been engaged in this craft for about 50 years, while his ancestors began developing beekeeping roughly 80 years ago.

"Kyrgyzstan offers great opportunities for the development of beekeeping, especially in mountainous areas," he said.

Zhumagaliev brought mountain honey to the festival and has been coming to Namangan for the third consecutive year. According to him, participating in the event helps introduce buyers to the products and offer them at more affordable prices.

Family traditions are also preserved in Namangan Region. Local beekeeper Abdulvosit Sobirzhonov reported that his family has been practicing beekeeping for four generations.

"For our family, this is not just a job, but a craft passed down from generation to generation," he emphasized.

Another festival participant is Khusniddin Abduvaliev from Kosonsoy. He brought honey harvested predominantly in mountain regions, as well as products from cotton fields.

According to Abduvaliev, the price of honey depends on the variety and ranges from 150 to 250 thousand sum. At the festival, producers try to offer buyers more affordable prices.

The participants' stories demonstrate that behind the variety of products presented lie years of experience, family knowledge, and the unique characteristics of local beekeeping.

### From a honey fair to a multifunctional festival

This year, the organizers decided to change the format of the event, while keeping the venue the same.

"We did not change the location, but we increased the scale of the festival. In addition to honey, we have separate pavilions for crafts and gastronomy. We are also showcasing the region's tourism potential," Khondamir Akhunbaev explained.

Special information zones were set up for guests, where they could learn about tourist routes, investment opportunities, and the economic potential of Namangan Region.

Thus, the festival became a platform not only for trade, but also for getting acquainted with local producers, traditions, and the region's capabilities.

### Production, exports, and new jobs

According to Akhunbaev, the development of beekeeping is important for the region's economy. Growth in production volumes makes it possible to create new jobs, attract specialists, and expand the activities of local entrepreneurs.

According to data voiced by the Deputy Khokim, honey production in Namangan Region exceeded 5.5 thousand tons this year. He also reported that honey exports from the region since the beginning of the year amounted to about one million dollars.

Akhunbaev noted that the regional authorities are interested in further developing the industry, attracting investments, and introducing modern technologies.

In particular, initiatives to create a laboratory and an innovation center that could contribute to production development and expanding the product range are being discussed.

At the same time, the festival is viewed as one of the tools for promoting local honey and introducing foreign buyers to the region's products.

### Plans include a "honey expo"

The organizers intend to continue expanding the festival. One of the key directions could be the creation of a specialized exhibition dedicated not only to finished products, but also to beekeeping equipment.

"We want to display not only honey, but also equipment, modern know-how, innovative technologies, and solutions used in this industry. We plan to create a kind of 'honey expo,'" Akhunbaev said.

According to him, such a format will allow attracting equipment manufacturers, technology companies, and specialists working on the development of beekeeping.

The organizers also expect that further expansion of the program will help strengthen international ties among participants and create additional opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

### Festivals as part of the region's tourism potential

The International Honey Festival is one of the events through which Namangan Region develops gastronomic and event tourism.

The region is also famous for its International Flower Festival, district gastronomic celebrations, and events dedicated to local products and folk traditions.

According to Akhunbaev, the region continues to expand its festival calendar. Among the events he mentioned are the livestock festival, the national flatbread celebration "Patyrfest," and "Uzum Sayli," dedicated to grapes.

In the future, the organizers intend to develop the festival format by combining cultural traditions, entrepreneurship, and tourism opportunities of Namangan Region.

The 5th International Honey Festival demonstrated how a traditional industry can become part of a broader economic and tourism agenda. Meanwhile, plans to create a "honey expo" testify to the organizers' commitment to scaling the event — from showcasing finished products to introducing the technologies used in their production.