Tech Solutions for Declining Bee Pollination in Agriculture
As bee populations decline due to climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use, farmers are turning to technology for artificial pollination. Israeli tech firms BloomX and Edete have developed machines that mechanically pollinate crops such as blueberries, avocados, almonds, and pistachios. These machines imitate the vibrations of bees and can increase fruit yields by 30%. The use of artificial pollination can help alleviate the stress on honeybees and wild bees, reduce the need for transporting bees long distances, and prevent competition for food. However, some argue that prioritizing bee health and welfare can make artificial pollination largely unnecessary.