35 Bee Species Are On Verge Of Extinction

News Desk

Hyderabad: Agricultural experts and researchers have expressed alarm over bee extinction in many countries of the world, including Pakistan, particularly in Sindh. Currently, 35 species of bees are facing the threat of immediate extinction across the world, including Pakistan, said Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (ZAB) Agriculture College Principal Prof. Sultan Maitlo.

Experts and researchers raised concern that it is due to the use of pesticides in crops, noting that honey bee populations are declining, and thus research institutes should encourage farmers to employ biological methods to protect crops from hazardous insects.

A seminar in connection with ‘World Bee Day’ was organised by Shaheed Z.A. Bhutto Agriculture College Dokri of Sindh Agriculture University on Saturday.

Dr Sultan Maitlo said that the indiscriminate use of pesticides has had a very poor effect on honey production and will continue to have a very negative effect on our lives.

Department of Entomology Dr Shahnawaz Khoro stated that the goal of World Bee Day is to raise awareness of the grave issue of wildlife.

Every year, this day is observed to increase public awareness of the importance of bees and other living creatures to the health of both people and the environment, Khoro added.

Agricultural experts claimed that the adverse effects on bee species are growing as a result of continuous tree-cutting and deforestation.

In order to conserve the bees, experts recommended that the government and the general publicstart huge mass awareness campaigns encouraging the planting of more trees and the use of chemical and biological pest management methods that are environmentally benign on crops, fruits, plants, and vegetables. In addition, they said, research centres should be established to boost honey production.

Speakers said that pollinators should be used for the pollination of crops so that farmers can increase their production.