The ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research (DFR), Pune, has launched India’s first Pollinator Habitat Restoration Kit, aimed at conserving pollinators and enhancing agricultural productivity. Developed after years of field research, the kit combines seasonal flower seeds, eco-friendly farming guidelines, and digital resources to support pollinator habitats. It is designed to benefit both farmers growing pollinator-dependent crops and commercial beekeepers.
Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths, are vital to global food security, contributing to nearly 35% of crop production worldwide. Yet, rapid habitat loss and declining floral diversity have put these essential species at risk.
Research-Driven Design
ICAR-DFR scientists developed the kit based on extensive field studies on pollinator diversity, foraging behaviour, and ornamental plant preferences. Over 600 ornamental plant species were evaluated for their ability to attract 153 different pollinator species. The resulting database on seasonal pollen and nectar availability forms the scientific backbone of the kit, making it both practical and research-based for farmers.
Kit Components and Benefits
The kit includes:
Seeds of 20 seasonal flowering plants known to attract pollinators
A bilingual handbook with eco-agriculture guidelines
A QR-coded card providing plant care instructions and access to a digital pollinator database
By planting these flowers in and around crop fields, farmers can provide pollinators with additional food and nesting sources, which enhances pollination, improves crop yields, and boosts overall crop quality.
Target Users
The kit is particularly valuable for farmers cultivating pollinator-dependent crops such as onion, cucumber, mango, pomegranate, and custard apple. Beekeepers also benefit, as the kit supports bee health and ensures sustainable production of honey, wax, and other bee products.
Available in two versions—one for large institutions and another tailored for small farmers—the Pollinator Habitat Restoration Kit aligns with India’s goals of sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and ecological resilience.