Coffee fine but food must

Coffee smells great. But is it any good without our daily staple diet? This is what happens to major grain crops when bee population falls. 

Maize: According to a study published in the journal PLOS ONE in 2015, bees are important pollinators for maize, which is one of the world’s most important crops. The study found that maize yields increased by 26% when pollinated by bees, compared to when the crop was left to self-pollinate. The study also found that bees were responsible for pollinating approximately 70% of the maize flowers in the study area in Illinois, USA.

Rice or paddy: Bees are also important pollinators for rice, which is a staple crop in many parts of the world. According to a study published in the journal Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment in 2014, bee pollination increased rice yields by an average of 22% in Thailand. The study also found that bees were responsible for pollinating up to 80% of the rice flowers in some areas.

Millets: Bees are important pollinators for many types of millets, which are important crops in many parts of the world. According to a study published in the journal Indian Journal of Plant Physiology in 2018, bee pollination increased the yields of finger millet, pearl millet, and sorghum by an average of 20% in India. The study also found that bees were responsible for pollinating up to 90% of the flowers in some areas.

Oilseeds: Bees are important pollinators for many types of oilseeds, including canola, sunflower, and soybean. According to a study published in the journal Basic and Applied Ecology in 2018, bee pollination increased the yields of canola and sunflower by an average of 18% in Canada. The study also found that bees were responsible for pollinating up to 40% of the canola flowers in some areas.

Almond:  California produces approximately 80% of the world’s almonds, and almond trees are almost entirely dependent on honeybee pollination. In recent years, beekeepers have reported significant losses of bee colonies, which have led to concerns about the sustainability of almond production in the state.

Fruit production: China is the world’s largest producer of apples, pears, and other fruits, which are largely dependent on bee pollination. However, the use of pesticides and the loss of natural habitats have contributed to declines in bee populations, which have led to reduced yields and higher costs for farmers. Several other countries have met the same fate.

It is obvious that decline in bee population can drive us to catastrophic food shortages.