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Low Apple Productivity in Himachal Linked to Lack of Pollinators, Beekeeping Can Increase Production, Supplement Farm Income
Solan-A 21-day training on bee breeding was organized by the Department of Entomology of Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, under the Managed Pollination Component of Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project (HP-HDP).
Scientific beekeeping can substantially augment the production of various crops, but also supplement the farm income. Dr Parvinder Kaushal, Vice-Chancellor said during the valedictory function of the training.
Thirty bee breeders cum progressive beekeepers from 11 districts of the state participated in this programme. Dr Harish Kumar Sharma, coordinator of training informed that these trainees will be registered as bee breeders and will produce quality queens from selected colonies for their use as well as for sale in the state and region.
Use of such queens will result in healthy and strong colonies for higher honey production and improved pollination services. He stressed the need to use pollination agreement where responsibilities of beekeepers and farmers are fixed.
Dr Divender Gupta, Head Department of Entomology lauded the efforts of the apiculture section of the department in scientific bee breeding and other researchable issues in the field. He added that the work of the centre was also recognized by the ICAR which had the ranked the AICRP Centre as the Best Research Centre in the country.
Dr JN Sharma, Director of Research and nodal officer of the HP-HDP in the university called upon farmers and youngsters to become entrepreneurs in bee breeding. He added that the lack of pollinizer proportion and pollinators is one of the limiting factors for low apple productivity in the state. He expressed hope for the improvement of pollination services under this project.
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor congratulated the participants and expressed hope that the bee breeders will ensure the supply of quality queens to beekeepers. He called upon beekeepers to become entrepreneurs and master trainers for popularizing scientific beekeeping and pollination services in the state.
Dr Kaushal was of the view that trained human resource in beekeeping should be available at every village. He added that as horticulture is a big contributor to the state’s economy, it is pertinent that the pollination services will improve the production and quality of the produce.
Dr Kaushal said that the promotion of beekeeping will ensure food sustainability and employment generation and stressed on the need to increase bee flora and honey production in the state and develop an international market for monofloral honey. He called upon scientists to impart skill development training in other related areas of horticulture like grafting and pruning.
During the training, 42 lectures covering various aspects of bee breeding and beekeeping were held for the participants. Besides 15 in-house experts, nine experts from various institutions also addressed the trainees.
Dr Rakesh Gupta, Director Extension Education, Dr PK Mahajan, Dean College of Forestry, all the heads of department and scientists of the entomology department attended the programme.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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