The small hive beetle’s expansion concerns Indian beekeeping sector even more. Arrived in 2022 in the state of West Bengal, Aethina tumida is becoming the most important problem for northern regions, including areas bordering Nepal and Pakistan. In the state of Himachal Pradesh, this year the losses are estimated approximately more than 300,000 US dollars. The government’s horticulture department has already organised meeting and training courses for beekeepers to explain and teach methods for SHB control. In addition, the Cheif Minister of the state met a beekeepers delegation and promised specific actions to manage the situation and limit the SHB spread.

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