Role of pollinators in contributing to vitamin and mineral supply through crop production in India

Micronutrient deficiency is emerging as a significant public health concern in India. Facilitating pollinator populations in agroecosystems could be an efficient mechanism to ensure food production, both quantitatively and qualitatively. To better understand the role of pollinators in the agroecosystems of India, we conducted an analysis of crop production based on their reliance on pollinators during the period 2010–2021. Our findings indicate that although there were no significant changes in the yearly production or cultivation area of various pollinator-dependent crops, the average yearly rate of crop-yield increase in pollinator-dependent crops was notably lower than in crops that did not depend on pollinators during 2015–2021. The study highlights that a significant portion of vitamins, particularly B7, B9, C and K, and carotenoids come from pollinator-dependent crops. The findings of this study, which highlight the considerable contribution of micronutrients originating from pollinator-dependent crops, are consistent with results observed in the Republic of Korea. The loss of pollinator populations may result in an approximately 19% deficit in vitamin C. Although vegetables and fruits contain substantial quantities of minerals per unit weight, a significant portion of these minerals is sourced from non-pollinator-dependent crops, particularly cereals and pulses, owing to their abundance. We propose that pollinator-friendly habitat management could be a sustainable solution to avoid the negative consequences associated with reduced food and nutrition arising from a lack of pollinators in agroecosystems.