Chemical spraying threatens Uzbekistan’s beekeeping industry

Following a Kun.uz report highlighting the mass death of bees in Fergana due to pesticides sprayed on cotton fields during the day, the Ministry of Agriculture quickly issued a rebuttal. However, laboratory analyses have confirmed the validity of beekeepers’ complaints, contradicting the ministry’s claims.

Background of the crisis

Kun.uz previously reported that the indiscriminate daytime spraying of potent pesticides on cotton fields in the Fergana Valley has led to widespread bee deaths, leaving beekeepers without income. On July 16, the Ministry of Agriculture issued an official statement denying that chemical pesticides were responsible.

"Claims circulating online that ‘indiscriminate daytime spraying of strong pesticides on cotton fields is causing bee deaths’ are scientifically baseless and unverified in practice. Pesticides used in agriculture are selected from a nationally approved list and applied under uniform regulations across the republic," the ministry stated.

The ministry further claimed that bee deaths were observed only in specific areas of Fergana province. However, Kun.uz has received reports of similar incidents in other regions of Uzbekistan.

On July 19, the Veterinary and Livestock Development Committee under the Ministry of Agriculture issued a statement acknowledging that chemical pesticides may be contributing to the mass bee deaths in Fergana and Surkhandarya provinces.

Beekeepers’ meeting yields frustration

On July 16, a working group led by Muhiddin Sayfiyev, head of the Ministry of Agriculture’s Livestock Department, met with beekeepers in Fergana. Samples from dead bees were collected for laboratory analysis. A Kun.uz correspondent attended the meeting, where beekeepers expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome.

"No solutions, only blame"

Sherzod Mirzamatov, a beekeeper, stated: "After yesterday’s video, the ministry sent a working group promising solutions. All the beekeepers gathered here. Their expert claims the bees died from disease, but we can prove they were poisoned by pesticides. What’s the point of this meeting? They conclude the bees died from illness, not pesticides. They say there’s no lab equipment to quickly confirm pesticide poisoning – only to prove disease. If the problem isn’t addressed, what’s the use of such meetings? Most people here are beekeepers with 20 years of experience. They know every bee disease and can distinguish between illness and poisoning. We’re not satisfied with this meeting. Instead of preventing losses, they’re trying to shift the blame onto us."

"Beekeeping is no longer valued"

Hasanboy Hasanov added: "Our bees have been dying for over 16 years. The ministry comes, promises solutions, leaves, and nothing changes. They blame us. The head of the chemistry department knows exactly what’s killing the bees – they’re experts. They know which pesticides are lethal and how the bees die. I don’t expect results from this meeting. The sector needs fundamental reform. The ministry knows which pesticides enter Uzbekistan and which are used. Beekeeping is no longer valued. No one admits the bees are dying from pesticides. Who wants to take responsibility? This meeting was fruitless."

"Stronger pesticides this year"

Hikmatillo Millajonov shared: "A close acquaintance, a farmer, sprays pesticides on his land. He said last year’s pesticides weren’t as strong. This year, farmers switched to more potent ones. He mentioned that where the pesticide touched his hands or exposed skin, it caused burning and kept him awake at night. The pesticides are so strong – either the dosage is too high, or they’re using highly toxic ones. A company representative meets with the farmer, recommends their pesticide, and it’s used. He admitted they spray during the day, starting in the morning and finishing by evening."

Laboratory findings confirm pesticide impact

The Veterinary and Livestock Development Committee’s July 19 statement confirmed that tests ruled out infectious diseases as the cause of bee deaths. "Analyses indicate that the mass death of bee colonies in Fergana and Surkhandarya provinces may be linked to pesticides sprayed on cotton fields. No viral or bacterial diseases were detected, and no bee diseases have been observed in these regions for years," the committee reported.

Ubaydullo Tursunov, head of the Fergana province Veterinary and Livestock Development Department, confirmed to Kun.uz that laboratory results found no viral or bacterial diseases in the dead bees.

Compensation remains uncertain

Kun.uz approached Muhiddin Sayfiyev for comment. He said: "We listened to the beekeepers’ concerns at the meeting. We need to identify the cause – is it pesticides or disease? We have laboratories. We’ll analyze samples on-site and draw conclusions. Then we’ll address the issue. Both cotton and bees are important to us. We’ll work with farmers and beekeepers to find a solution. Beekeepers believe the issue is linked to pesticides. As I said, lab analyses will provide clarity, and we’ll reach a conclusion. As for compensating financial losses, we’ll consider it, but I can’t say anything definitive now."

Despite these findings, a resolution to the problem remains elusive.