Saudi planes spraying insecticides to destroy large swarms of locusts invading many parts of the Gulf Kingdom accidentally exterminated millions of bees in nearly 850 hives in just one area, prompting farmers to demand damages.
Farmers inspecting their hives after a surprise morning spray operation in the western town of Al Qunfudah were stunned when they found all their bees have been killed.
The farmers said they were not notified in advance of any spray operation in the area in order to move their hives to safe places.
“We gathered all the farmers and went to the governor’s office to complain and demand compensation as we have invested large sums of money in breeding bees…he promised us to investigate the incident and compensate us,” farmer Ahmed Al Zuhairi said, quoted by Sada Arabic language daily.