Himachal beekeepers hit by beetle infestation to get 30 pc relief

Shimla, September 21 (UNI) Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Monday said beekeepers affected by the small hive beetle infestation in Kangra district would be provided relief equivalent to 30 per cent of their losses. Negi, while reviewing the losses suffered by beekeepers at a meeting with senior officials of the Horticulture Department here, was apprised of the damage caused by the spread of the small hive beetle (Aethina tumida Murray) in Kangra, Bunddi, Nagan, Fatt and Kalyara areas. The infestation has caused significant damage to beehives and bee colonies in the affected areas. The small hive beetle lays its…