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Bee population declining due to pesticides; Mango and litchi yields at risk
Story in: April-2026
Story: Bee population declining due to pesticides; Mango and litchi yields at risk
Bees are winged insects that form a monophyletic clade, Anthophila, within the superfamily Apoidea of the order Hymenoptera, which contains over 20,000 species in seven recognized families. Some species – including honey bees, bumblebees, and stingless bees – are social insects that live in high-level colonies, while more than 90% of bee species – including mason bees, carpenter bees, leafcutter bees, and sweat bees – are solitary. Members of the best-known bee genus, Apis (i.e., honey bees), build hexagonal wax-like nests called honeycombs. Bees are a highly valuable economic insect.
The number of bees has declined alarmingly due to excessive and unplanned use of pesticides, raising concerns of reduced yields in seasonal fruit orchards, especially mango and litchi. Although mango, litchi, lemon, and other fruit trees have bloomed in abundance this season, many flowers are not turning into fruit due to disruption in pollination. Agricultural experts fear that if the trend continues, it will not be possible to achieve the production target.
Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) officials said that bees play a vital role in pollination, ensuring the development of fruits. However, bees are dying or leaving the area due to indiscriminate spraying of pesticides in orchards and crop fields. The damage becomes particularly serious if pesticides are applied during flowering.
Orchard owners said that the trees initially showed promising signs this year with abundant buds. "But even after several rounds of pesticide spraying, fewer flowers are growing. Many buds are turning black and falling off," they said. The number of mangoes per tree could be down by about half compared to last year, they said.
Honey collectors also reported a sharp decline in honey production. "A few years ago, we used to collect one to one and a half tonnes of honey every day from November to March. This year, we hardly see any hives in various areas," they said.
Agricultural experts blame not only the use of pesticides for the decline in bee numbers, but also climate change, erratic rainfall, and temperature fluctuations, which disrupt the natural life cycle of bees. However, experts say the uncontrolled use of harmful chemicals is the most important factor. Apart from bees, other beneficial insects are also close to extinction.
Experts also recommend avoiding spraying pesticides during the flowering period of crops and increasing the use of organic alternatives and pheromone traps. They also stressed the importance of adopting integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and promoting beekeeping in orchards to increase natural pollination.
The DAE warned that the consequences could be far-reaching. "If awareness about bee conservation is not raised, not only mango and litchi production, but also vegetable and other crop production will be severely affected in the future," it said.
The DAE stressed that bees are crucial for maintaining ecological balance and urged farmers to adopt sustainable and eco-friendly farming methods to maintain agricultural productivity.
Farmers fear that the decline in bee numbers could severely hit the local agricultural economy if timely measures are not taken. They say the growing crisis is a stark reminder that protecting nature is essential to ensuring sustainable crop production.
Home Editorial Calendar Bee population declining due to pesticides; Mango and litchi yields at risk
Story: Bee population declining due to pesticides; Mango and litchi yields at risk
Bees are winged insects that form a monophyletic clade, Anthophila, within the superfamily Apoidea of the order Hymenoptera, which contains over 20,000 species in seven recognized families. Some species – including honey bees, bumblebees, and stingless bees – are social insects that live in high-level colonies, while more than 90% of bee species – including mason bees, carpenter bees, leafcutter bees, and sweat bees – are solitary. Members of the best-known bee genus, Apis (i.e., honey bees), build hexagonal wax-like nests called honeycombs. Bees are a highly valuable economic insect.
The number of bees has declined alarmingly due to excessive and unplanned use of pesticides, raising concerns of reduced yields in seasonal fruit orchards, especially mango and litchi. Although mango, litchi, lemon, and other fruit trees have bloomed in abundance this season, many flowers are not turning into fruit due to disruption in pollination. Agricultural experts fear that if the trend continues, it will not be possible to achieve the production target.
Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) officials said that bees play a vital role in pollination, ensuring the development of fruits. However, bees are dying or leaving the area due to indiscriminate spraying of pesticides in orchards and crop fields. The damage becomes particularly serious if pesticides are applied during flowering.
Orchard owners said that the trees initially showed promising signs this year with abundant buds. "But even after several rounds of pesticide spraying, fewer flowers are growing. Many buds are turning black and falling off," they said. The number of mangoes per tree could be down by about half compared to last year, they said.
Honey collectors also reported a sharp decline in honey production. "A few years ago, we used to collect one to one and a half tonnes of honey every day from November to March. This year, we hardly see any hives in various areas," they said.
Agricultural experts blame not only the use of pesticides for the decline in bee numbers, but also climate change, erratic rainfall, and temperature fluctuations, which disrupt the natural life cycle of bees. However, experts say the uncontrolled use of harmful chemicals is the most important factor. Apart from bees, other beneficial insects are also close to extinction.
Experts also recommend avoiding spraying pesticides during the flowering period of crops and increasing the use of organic alternatives and pheromone traps. They also stressed the importance of adopting integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and promoting beekeeping in orchards to increase natural pollination.
The DAE warned that the consequences could be far-reaching. "If awareness about bee conservation is not raised, not only mango and litchi production, but also vegetable and other crop production will be severely affected in the future," it said.
The DAE stressed that bees are crucial for maintaining ecological balance and urged farmers to adopt sustainable and eco-friendly farming methods to maintain agricultural productivity.
Farmers fear that the decline in bee numbers could severely hit the local agricultural economy if timely measures are not taken. They say the growing crisis is a stark reminder that protecting nature is essential to ensuring sustainable crop production.
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