Alarming Decline in Bees & Pollinators
- Multiple studies report declines of up to 90% in some native bee species, especially in regions like Odisha.
- Over 700 bee species (e.g., Apis cerana indica, Apis dorsata, stameless Trigona) and ~1,800 butterfly species are vital for pollinating crops like mustard, brinjal, apples, chillies, etc. Their decline disrupts both agricultural output and broader ecosystem balance .
Rise in Manual/Artificial Pollination
- With bees absent, farmers resort to renting hive boxes, but these are often ineffective as they contain non-native species (e.g., Apis mellifera) that fail to pollinate local crops .
- Manual methods (e.g., brushing each flower) are labour-intensive, only partially effective, and significantly increase production costs and reduce yield quality .
Causes & Consequences
- Agricultural Pesticides
- Neonicotinoids and other agrochemicals severely impact both honey bees and wild bees, with high mortality and reduced reproductive fitness .
- Habitat Loss & Climate Stress
- Fragmentation, monocultures, and warming climates reduce both habitats and floral diversity, also increasing disease transmission among pollinators .
- Food Security Threat
- Approximately 75% of global food crops depend on insect pollination. Pollinator loss jeopardizes yields, food diversity, and farmers’ livelihoods .
UPSC Relevance
- GS Paper 3 – Environment & Agriculture
Highlights interplay between biodiversity (pollinators), pesticide regulation, and sustainable farming. - GS Paper 1 – Geography & Ecology
An example of ecological interdependence and impact on local ecosystems. - GS Paper 2 – Government Policy
Raises issues of agricultural policy, IPM (Integrated Pest Management), National Beekeeping & Honey Mission.
Previous-Year UPSC Mains Question
Q (GS-3, Jan 2023):
“The use of pesticides and fertilisers in agriculture has led to a decline in the population of pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Discuss.”
Key Answer Elements:
- Impact: direct toxicity, habitat disruption, CCD risk.
- Consequences: reduced food security, biodiversity loss.
- Solutions: IPM, habitat restoration, pesticide regulation, pollinator monitoring, beekeeping initiatives.
Summary of Implications
Artificial pollination is inadequate, inefficient, and costly. Natural pollination errs on being free, effective, and ecosystem-supportive.
The crisis demands:
- Stricter pesticide controls and IPM strategies.
- Conservation of bee habitats (hedgerows, wildflowers).
- Support for apiculture and freeland beekeeping.
- Monitoring systems for early detection of pollinator decline.
