ISLAMABAD: Agricultural experts and researchers have voiced deep concerns over the global extinction of bees, including in Pakistan, with particular emphasis on the vulnerable Sindh Province.
Excessive use of pesticides in crops has been identified as an important factor contributing to the decline in honey bee populations, urging research institutes and entities to promote the adoption of biological methods for crop protection against harmful insects.
These concerns were shared during a seminar held on Saturday at the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Agricultural College Dokri, organized in observance of “World Bee Day.” Principal ZAB Agriculture College, Prof. Dr. Sultan Maitlo, highlighted that approximately 35 bee species, including those found in Pakistan, currently face the imminent threat of extinction.
Irresponsible pesticide usage was identified as a major detrimental factor affecting honey production and subsequently impacting human lives.
Experts call prevention of bees
Dr. Shahnawaz Khoro from the Department of Entomology emphasized that World Bee Day aims to draw attention to the critical issue of wildlife preservation. He added that the day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the vital role bees and other living organisms play in maintaining the health of humanity and the planet.
Dr. Abdul Hameed Memon, Dr. Shahjahan Rajput, Dr. Abdul Hanan Buriro, Dr. Sarwar Solangi, Dr. Zulfiqar Abbasi, and other researchers highlighted the negative impact of deforestation and continuous tree cutting on bee species.
They urged both the public and private sectors to launch comprehensive awareness campaigns, promoting tree plantation and the use of environmentally friendly chemical and biological methods for pest control in crops, fruits, and vegetables to safeguard the future of bees.
Furthermore, they called for the establishment of additional research centers and encouraged farmers to adopt crop pollination practices to enhance overall agricultural production.
