Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi today held a meeting here today with the officers of Horticulture Department regarding the losses suffered by beekeepers in Kangra district.
Beekeepers in the areas of Kangra, Bunddi, Nagan, Fatt and Kalyara have suffered heavy losses due to the spread of the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida Murray).
The Minister was apprised regarding the beetle attack which has caused significant damage to beekeepers. The beetle lays its larvae inside beehives and within a few days, it causes extensive damage to the honey and bee colonies.
The Horticulture Minister said that affected beekeepers would be provided relief of 30 percent. He also directed Horticulture Department officials to prepare a detailed proposal for marketing honey through BigBasket and submit it to the state government.
During the meeting, Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania said that apiculture is an important occupation in the state and a major source of income for farmers and horticulturists. He added that he had also raised the issue of losses suffered by beekeepers with the Chief Minister.
