Sangeet Ranguwal
Pollination is a fundamental ecosystem service that underpins agricultural productivity, biodiversity conservation and economic sustainability. The present study assesses the economic contribution of pollination (EVP) in Punjab agriculture using secondary data for 2024-25 using the dependence ratio method. Pollination services contributed Rs 3399 million (4%) to the total agricultural economic value of Rs 80286 million. Though cereals dominate the state’s agricultural economy, they do not benefit from pollination due to their self- or wind-pollinated nature. In contrast, fruits, vegetables, oilseeds, and fibre crops exhibit significant dependence on animal pollination, with fruits accounting for the largest share (69.8%) of EVP, followed by vegetables and oilseeds. Crop-wise analysis reveals that about 61% of crops rely on pollinators to varying degrees, with the highest economic gains concentrated in crops with great and moderate dependence, including rapeseed & mustard, sunflower, guava, tomato, and cotton. The results showed that pollination services contribute to farm income and nutritional security by significantly enhancing yield and quality, particularly in high-value crops. Despite having a relatively small share in total agricultural value, pollination remains an indispensable input for achieving sustainable agricultural development. The study emphasises the need of targeted policy interventions, including the promotion of scientific beekeeping, conservation of pollinator habitats, reduced pesticide use, and increased awareness, to harness the full ecological and economic potential of pollination in the state.