Kalbajar: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev participated in the inauguration of the “Balland – Kalbajar honey, bee, and beekeeping products store.” The store offers a variety of products, including honey, propolis, royal jelly, pollen, beeswax, and other natural items.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the store aims to promote Kalbajar honey and other beekeeping products by branding them under the ‘Made in Azerbaijan’ label. There are plans to expand the reach of these products to international markets and to launch an online sales platform. The store is not just a retail outlet but also serves as a venue to support and develop the beekeeping sector.

The Mustafayev family, who have been engaged in beekeeping for over 40 years, operate the store. They are known for combining traditional knowledge with modern methods and managing around 400 bee colonies. Their farm is recognized as one of the leading family enterprises in the country.

Beekeeping has been a longstanding occupation for Kalbajar residents. Sabir Mustafayev’s family farm, for instance, produces honey from flowers found in the remote highland pastures of Kalbajar. Following the Patriotic War, they returned to their native land to restore their farm.

During his visit to Kalbajar in 2021, President Ilham Aliyev toured the Mustafayev family farm. Post-inauguration, President Aliyev engaged in a conversation with Sabir Mustafayev, highlighting the importance of beekeeping in the region.