SHIMLA : A delegation of beekeepers from Himachal Pradesh, led by Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today. The delegation apprised the Chief Minister of various issues being faced by beekeepers in the state. They informed him about the rapid spread of the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida Murray) in the state, which has particularly affected beekeepers in the lower areas of Himachal Pradesh, causing them considerable losses.
The Chief Minister said that apiculture is an important agricultural and livelihood activity in the state. It provides an important source of supplementary income and self-employment for farmers, particularly in rural areas. He added that honeybees also make a significant contribution to pollination.
The Chief Minister said that the state government was making continuous efforts to promote beekeeping in the state. He said that Mukhyamantri Madhu Vikas Yojana has been implemented to benefit the Beekeeper’s of the state. He assured the delegation that the state government would make every effort to address the problem through scientific means so as to safeguard beekeepers from any further losses.
