A groundbreaking study in India reveals the positive impact of integrating flowers with food crops on farms, providing benefits such as increased pollination, improved crop yield, and enhanced quality. The research, a collaborative effort by ecologists from the University of Reading, U.K., and the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, India, focused on the Moringa crop, a nutrient-rich “superfood,” and its primary pollinators—bees.
Conducted in South India, the study demonstrated that by planting companion marigold flowers and red gram crops alongside Moringa trees in orchards, the abundance and diversity of flower-visiting insects, particularly bees, were augmented. This, in turn, led to enhanced pollination and a subsequent boost in crop yield.
Dr. Deepa Senapathi, from the University of Reading, emphasized the familiarity of this farming technique, stating, “Planting wildflowers on agricultural land is a tried and tested method seen in many arable fields and orchards in the U.K. and across Europe. This farming technique is known to boost insect pollinator numbers.”
Working closely with smallholder farmers in the Kannivadi region of Tamil Nadu, the researchers facilitated the planting of red gram and marigold flowers in moringa orchards. Comparisons were drawn between orchards with co-flowering crops and those without. The results were compelling, with sites featuring companion flowers exhibiting 50% higher numbers and 33% greater diversity of flower-visiting insects. These orchards also yielded bigger moringa pods, showcasing better crop quality.
Sites that had previously faced pollination challenges saw a 30% increase in harvestable moringa fruits, demonstrating the tangible benefits of this approach. Dr. Senapathi highlighted the broader implications, stating, “Greater yields and higher quality fruit will translate to a healthier and better food supply for smallholder communities. The farming communities can also use the red gram as a protein source in their diets and receive extra income from selling the marigold flowers.”
This research, conducted as part of the TROPICAL project, funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) from the Global Challenges Research Fund, exemplifies a sustainable approach to farming in the face of biodiversity challenges and the need for improved pollination services. The findings have potential implications for other crops in India, offering smallholder farmers a pathway to increase yields while adopting more sustainable land management practices.
