Bees are vital to the global food chain, but their numbers have been falling sharply, largely due to climate change, large-scale agriculture and pesticide use. In 2020, Nepal’s beekeepers produced about 50 percent less honey than three years earlier — and the warming climate is a big reason for the drop, said Shiva Prasad Sharma, a beekeeper and president of the Federation of Nepal Beekeepers (FNBK). PRESSURES PILE UPBees are vital to the global food chain, but their numbers have been falling sharply, largely due to climate change, large-scale agriculture and pesticide use. The government pays up to 80 percent of the premium, and the payouts cover 90 percent of the value of any honey shortfall. “Insurance helps, but to keep the honey industry vibrant, now is the time to keep colonies safe, healthy and strong,” Neupane said.

Source: Taipei Times January 16, 2022 17:03 UTC