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Economic benchmarking of assisted pollination methods for kiwifruit flowers: Assessment of cost-effectiveness of robotic solution

Author

Listed:
  • Pinheiro, Isabel
  • Moura, Pedro
  • Rodrigues, Leandro
  • Pacheco, Abílio Pereira
  • Teixeira, Jorge
  • Valente, António
  • Cunha, Mário
  • Santos, Filipe Neves dos

Abstract

In 2023, global kiwifruit production reached over 4.4 million tonnes, highlighting the crop’s significant economic importance. However, achieving high yields depends on adequate pollination. In Actinidia species, pollen is transferred by insects from male to female flowers on separate plants. Natural pollination faces increasing challenges due to the decline in pollinator populations and climate variability, driving the adoption of assisted pollination methods. This study examines the Portuguese kiwifruit sector, one of the world’s top 12 producers, using a novel mixed-methods approach that integrates both qualitative and quantitative analyses to assess the feasibility of robotic pollination. The qualitative study identifies the benefits and challenges of current methods and explores how robotic pollination could address these challenges. The quantitative analysis explores the cost-effectiveness and practicality of implementing robotic pollination as a product and service. Findings indicate that most farmers use handheld pollination devices but face pollen wastage and application timing challenges. Economic analysis establishes a break-even point of €685 per hectare for an annual single application, with a first robotic pollination of €17 146 becoming cost-effective for orchards of at least 3.5 hectares and a second robotic solution of €34 293 becoming cost-effective for orchards up to 7 hectares. A robotic pollination service priced at €685 per hectare per application presents a low-risk and a viable alternative for growers. This study provides robust economic insights supporting the adoption of robotic pollination technologies. This study is crucial to make informed decisions to enhance kiwifruit production’s productivity and sustainability through precise robotic-assisted pollination.

Suggested Citation

  • Pinheiro, Isabel & Moura, Pedro & Rodrigues, Leandro & Pacheco, Abílio Pereira & Teixeira, Jorge & Valente, António & Cunha, Mário & Santos, Filipe Neves dos, 2026. "Economic benchmarking of assisted pollination methods for kiwifruit flowers: Assessment of cost-effectiveness of robotic solution," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 231(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:agisys:v:231:y:2026:i:c:s0308521x25002811
    DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2025.104541
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    References listed on IDEAS

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