Kingmakers: The Insects Behind India’s Favourite Mangoes

Subject: Science & Environment

Context

India is home to more than 1,000 varieties of mangoes,

Mango production in India depends heavily on insect pollinators rather than wind. Studies show that wild bees, flies, and even ants significantly enhance fruit yield and quality. However, pollinator populations are threatened by pesticide use, habitat loss, and monoculture farming. Recognizing their ecological and economic importance, India has incorporated pollination services into its Environmental Accounting Framework, estimating their contribution at nearly ₹2.6 lakh crore annually, underscoring the critical role of pollinators in food security and sustainable agriculture.

How Mango Fruits Are Formed

Flowering Stage

Mango trees generally flower between December and March.
They produce panicles (flower clusters), each containing hundreds to nearly 10,000 flowers.

Types of Mango Flowers

Mango flowers may be:

Male flowers
Female flowers
Hermaphroditic (bisexual) flowers

Importance of Pollination

For successful fruit formation:

Pollen must be transferred from one flower to another.
Cross-pollination increases fruit set, quality, and genetic diversity.

From Wind Pollination to Insect Pollination

Earlier, mango pollination was believed to occur mainly through wind.

However, scientific studies have now established that insects are the primary pollinators of mango flowers.

Bengaluru Study (2023)

A study conducted in Bengaluru found that:

Allowing access to wild pollinators increased mango yield by nearly 350%.

This highlights the critical role of insects in mango production.

Major Pollinators of Mango

Wild Bees

Key bee pollinators include:

Apis florea
Apis dorsata
Tetragonula species

Other Important Pollinators

Hoverflies
Houseflies
Blowflies
Ants

Role of Ants

The Bengaluru study revealed that ants, although considered “messy pollinators,” contribute significantly to mango pollination.

This demonstrates that both:

Flying insects
Crawling insects

play important roles in fruit production.

Why Native Pollinators Matter

Studies from:

Mexico (Ataulfo Mango)
Australia (Kensington Pride Mango)

showed that native pollinators outperform non-native species in improving fruit quality and yield.

Example: European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera contributed significantly to pollination but often transferred pollen within the same orchard.

This led to:

Poor pollination efficiency
Reduced genetic diversity
Higher incidence of malformed fruits

Native Pollinators

Native bees:

Transfer pollen between different orchards
Improve genetic mixing
Produce healthier fruits
Enhance crop productivity

Threats to Pollinators

Neonicotinoid Insecticides

One of the greatest threats to pollinators is the widespread use of neonicotinoid insecticides.

Effects on Bees

These neurotoxic chemicals impair:

Navigation
Learning ability
Memory
Reproduction
Colony survival

Additional Risk

Neonicotinoids contaminate:

Nectar
Pollen

As a result, entire bee colonies become exposed to harmful chemicals.

Impact of Pesticides on Mango Production

The Bengaluru study observed that pesticide use resulted in:

Fewer pollinator visits
Reduced pollination success
Lower fruit yield

Economic Impact

Mangoes produced in pesticide-intensive orchards were approximately:30% lighter

This directly reduces farmers’ income and productivity.

Monoculture Farming: A Growing Concern

What is Monoculture?

Monoculture refers to the cultivation of a single crop over large areas.

Problems

Increased pest outbreaks
Greater pesticide dependence
Reduced biodiversity
Declining pollinator populations

As pollinator diversity declines, crop productivity becomes increasingly vulnerable.

Measures to Protect Pollinators

Researchers recommend several pollinator-friendly practices:

Sustainable Pest Management

Use bee-safe pesticides
Reduce chemical dependence
Adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Better Timing of Sprays

Avoid pesticide application during peak pollinator activity
Spray during periods when bees are less active

Habitat Conservation

Creating natural habitats around orchards can significantly increase pollinator abundance.

Examples include:

Forest patches
Hedgerows
Wildflower strips
Native vegetation corridors

These measures improve ecosystem resilience and agricultural productivity.

Pollinators in India’s Environmental Accounting Framework

India has recently incorporated pollinators into its Environmental Accounting Framework.

Estimated Contribution

Pollination services contribute:

8–10% of India’s total crop output value
Approximately ₹2.6 lakh crore (2021–22)

This recognition highlights the immense economic value of pollinators.

What is the Environmental Accounting Framework?

The Environmental Accounting Framework integrates the value of:

Natural resources
Ecosystem services

into national economic accounts.

Examples of Ecosystem Services

Pollination
Forest conservation
Wetland services
Carbon sequestration

International Basis

India’s framework is being developed in line with the:

System of Environmental-Economic Accounting

developed under the United Nations framework.

Importance

It helps policymakers:

Measure nature’s contribution to the economy
Support evidence-based policymaking
Promote sustainable development

Pollinator Diversity in India

India hosts:

More than 800 species of bees
Butterflies
Moths
Beetles
Flies
Birds
Bats

Together, these organisms support:

Crop production
Biodiversity conservation
Ecosystem stability
Food security

Global Conservation Initiative

A notable international development comes from Peru.

Legal Rights for Stingless Bees

Peru became the first country to grant:

Stingless Bees

the legal right to:

Exist
Thrive
Be represented in court

This represents a significant milestone in biodiversity conservation and recognition of ecosystem services.