Himachal Promises 30% Relief to Beetle-Hit Beekeepers

The Himachal Pradesh government has stepped in to support apiculturists following severe losses caused by an infestation of the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida Murray) in Kangra district. Chairing a high-level review meeting with officers of the Horticulture Department here today, Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi evaluated the extent of damage and announced a 30 percent relief package (financial assistance) for affected beekeepers.

During the meeting, officials of the Horticulture Department briefed the minister on the beetle attack and the resulting destruction. They explained that the beetle lays its eggs inside beehives, and within a few days, its larvae ruin stored honey and destroy entire bee colonies, severely damaging the production capacity and livelihood of beekeepers. Beekeepers in the Kangra, Bunddi, Nagan, Fatt, and Kalyara areas have been the worst affected by this outbreak.

To stabilize income streams for beekeepers and provide a larger market for their produce, the Horticulture Minister issued a new directive to departmental officials. He instructed them to prepare a detailed proposal for marketing and distributing local honey through major e-commerce platforms such as BigBasket and submit it to the state government for approval shortly.

Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, who was also present at the meeting, stated that apiculture is a vital occupation in the state and a major source of income for farmers and horticulturists. He added that he had personally raised the issue of losses suffered by Kangra’s beekeepers with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to ensure prompt government assistance reaches affected families.