Shimla, Sept. 20 -- Himachal Pradesh's beekeeping industry is facing a serious threat from the small hive beetle (SHB) (aethina tumida murray) in local apiaries, posing a grave threat to the production of over 1,500 metric tons of honey annually.

So far, the industry has already faced losses of Rs.3 crore since June this year with the infestation of the SHB with Kangra being the worst hit. Bee keeping is largely done in districts including Kangra, Hamipur, Una, Chamba, Kullu and Lahaul in Lahaul Spiti.

Himachal is home to 37,000 colonies managed by approximately 2,500 commercial beekeepers, producing more than 1,500 metric tons of honey annually. In addition to commercial operations, thousands of local and traditional beekeepers across ...