Bees will be protected from pesticide poisoning in Bashkiria

Deputies of the State Assembly plan to adopt the law “On Amendments to Articles 21 and 23 of the Law of the Republic of Bashkortostan “On Beekeeping” by the end of March. As explained in the department's press service, the bill concerns protecting bees from the negative effects of agrochemicals.

“Recently, we have repeatedly encountered mass bee deaths from pesticides. In this regard, last year, we passed a law to prevent similar situations in the future. Having looked at how the law works in practice, we saw the need to refine some of its provisions. The changes concern the procedure for informing beekeepers about the upcoming chemical treatment of crops,” explained Chairman of the State Assembly of the Republic Konstantin Tolkachev.

In particular, the bill stipulates that individuals and legal entities engaged in beekeeping and the population of settlements located up to seven kilometers from the boundaries of lands and land plots on which the use of pesticides is planned are informed in advance about the use of pesticides. The content of such information is clarified. The deadlines are adjusted: it is established that the relevant information is provided through the media no earlier than ten days and no later than five days before the upcoming chemical treatment of crops.

Protecting bees from pesticides will help maintain their numbers, preserve the quality of beekeeping products, and maintain environmental balance.

It is noted that a positive conclusion from the government of the Republic has already been received. The bill was adopted in the first reading in January.

Author: Daria Subbotina