FAO Paper Calls for Re-orientation of Crop Improvement in the 21st Century

Researchers from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released a publication that highlights some of the scientific and technological tools that should be the staple of all breeding programs. A research was conducted to offer a promising solution to the challenges of global food insecurity  and an increasing population. Challenges are further aggravated by the yield-depressing consequences of climate change and variations and by the pressures on food supply by other competing demographic and socio-economic demands.

The research suggests that the re-orientation of plant breeding should be done to generate and mass produce what is called 'smart' crop varieties, those which yield more but with fewer inputs. It also suggests adequate policies for plant breeding, including those that spur innovation and investments; training of the new generation of plant breeders; establishment of partnerships and collaborations, including public-private sector synergies; and adoption of continuum approach to the management of plant genetic resources for food as means to improved cohesion of the components of its value chain.

Developing countries are urged to overhaul their National Agricultural Research and Extension System to address specific needs.

View the original publication at http://www.agricultureandfoodsecurity.com/content/pdf/2048-7010-1-7.pdf.