ICAR-DFR, Pune Launches India’s First Pollinator Habitat Restoration Kit to Boost Farmland Biodiversity

6 August 2025, Pune

In a pioneering move to conserve pollinators and enhance crop productivity, the ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune, has developed the Pollinator Habitat Restoration Kit India’s first comprehensive package designed to support insect pollinators in agricultural ecosystems.

Pollinators are vital to food production, with nearly 35% of global crop yields relying on their services. However, habitat loss and declining floral diversity have severely impacted pollinator populations. To address this, ICAR-DFR scientists created the kit based on extensive field research on pollinator diversity, foraging behaviour, and preferences in ornamental plants.

Ornamental plants, known for their vibrant colors, fragrances, and nectar-rich blooms, are highly attractive to pollinators. Over 600 ornamental species, blooming across different seasons, were evaluated for their ability to attract more than 153 pollinator species including bees, flies, beetles, butterflies, and moths. This research informed the development of a database on seasonal floral rewards like nectar and pollen, which forms the foundation of the kit.

The Pollinator Habitat Restoration Kit includes:

•    Seeds of 20 carefully selected seasonal flowering species

•    A bilingual (Hindi and English) booklet with agro-ecological information and pollinator-friendly farming guidelines

•    A QR-coded card providing plant care tips, insights into floral rewards, and digital access to the pollinator database

Planting these selected annuals in and around crop fields enhances the availability of food and nesting sites for pollinators, improving pollination services and increasing crop yield and quality. The kit is particularly beneficial for farmers cultivating pollinator-dependent crops such as onion, cucurbits, mango, pomegranate, and custard apple. It also supports commercial beekeepers by promoting bee health and sustainable production of honey, wax, and other bee products.

This initiative aligns with India’s goals of sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and ecological resilience. The kit is available in two sizes Institutional Kit for larger areas and Kisan Kit for small-scale use at ICAR-DFR, Pune.

(Source: ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune)