European Research Center for Social Development

Tag: Food Security

Enhancing Essential Grains Yield for Sustainable Food Security and Bio-Safe Agriculture through Latest Innovative Approaches

While feeding an expanding population is a central challenge, the authors explain that we must also safeguard the environment from the negative effects of climate change. They point out that food production and security are significant hurdles, as global output may need to double by 2050.

To meet this rising demand, the researchers highlight the need for more innovative approaches to increase the productivity of essential grains such as corn, wheat, rice, barley, and oats.The review focuses on how molecular technology and genetics can raise production and improve resource-efficient use of these important grains.

According to the study, red light management and genetic manipulation show the highest levels of yield enhancement, but other strategies are also effective. These include bacterial-nutrient management, solar brightening, and innovative systems for addressing abiotic stress.

The authors also cover fertilizer management, the reduction of harmful gas emissions, photosynthesis enhancement, and improvements in stress tolerance, disease resistance, and crop varieties. Ultimately, the study discusses the potential challenges and future perspectives of these advanced agricultural approaches.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13071709

Reference:

Albahri, G., Alyamani, A. A., Badran, A., Hijazi, A., Nasser, M., Maresca, M., & Baydoun, E. (2023). Enhancing Essential Grains Yield for Sustainable Food Security and Bio-Safe Agriculture through Latest Innovative Approaches. Agronomy, 13(7), 1709.
Enhancing climate change resilience in agricultural crops

The authors explain that climate change poses a significant threat to global food and nutritional security by negatively affecting crop growth and agricultural productivity.

The researchers point out that many countries have adopted ambitious mitigation and adaptation targets that require major changes to existing agri-food systems, which may further complicate these challenges. To address this, the study provides a roadmap for improved crop production that focuses on the effective transfer of scientific knowledge into plant breeding and crop management strategies.

This approach is intended to support sustainable agricultural intensification and enhance climate resilience. While the authors identify key problem areas and highlight potential solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change, they note that the translation of scientific advances into actual crop production lags far behind current knowledge and technology.

Ultimately, the researchers suggest that a holistic approach—combining different disciplines through collaborative efforts—can create better connections between research, policy, and the needs of society.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.10.028

Reference:

Benitez-Alfonso, Y., Soanes, B. K., Zimba, S., Sinanaj, B., German, L., Sharma, V., Bohra, A., Kolesnikova, A., Dunn, J. A., Martin, A. C., Khashi U Rahman, M., Saati-Santamaría, Z., García-Fraile, P., Ferreira, E. A., Frazão, L. A., Cowling, W. A., Siddique, K. H. M., Pandey, M. K., Farooq, M., … Foyer, C. H. (2023). Enhancing climate change resilience in agricultural crops. Current Biology, 33(23), R1246–R1261.
Role of New Plant Breeding Technologies for Food Security and Sustainable Agricultural Development

While the Green Revolution changed how we feed the world, the author explains that new breeding technologies are now needed to address its shortcomings and secure a more sustainable future. The researcher points out that these new tools, which include both genetically modified and gene-edited crops, offer significant potential for agricultural development and global food security.

In this article, the author reviews the risks and the actual impacts observed so far, while also diving into the complex world of regulations. He notes that while the science behind these breakthroughs is exciting and already showing clear benefits, progress is often stalled by overregulation and public misunderstandings.

The study highlights that strict rules in Europe are particularly problematic, as they also affect developing countries in Africa and Asia that could benefit the most from these advancements. Ultimately, the author argues that for these technologies to truly help us meet our goals, we need significant regulatory reforms and a public debate that is grounded in scientific evidence rather than perception.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1002/aepp.13044

Reference:

Qaim, M. (2020). Role of New Plant Breeding Technologies for Food Security and Sustainable Agricultural Development. Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 42(2), 129–150.
Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: A Comprehensive Review for Optimizing Food Production and Environmental Conservation

The authors explain that advances in sustainable agriculture are essential for simultaneously optimizing food production and preserving the environment. The researchers point out that as the global population increases, ensuring food security has become a paramount issue.

While conventional farming techniques are effective for mass production, the study argues that they pose serious threats to sustainability due to excessive resource use, pollution, and the degradation of biodiversity. According to the review, sustainable agriculture promotes practices that are environmentally friendly, economically viable, and socially equitable.

The researchers highlight the application of advanced technologies, including precision farming, genetically modified crops for higher yield and disease resistance, and the integration of renewable energy sources. The authors also emphasize agroecological practices such as crop rotation, organic farming, and agroforestry, which contribute to enhancing soil fertility and reducing the use of synthetic pesticides.

Furthermore, the study supports the use of local resources and traditional knowledge to maintain ecological balance. Finally, the review underscores the crucial role of policy support, farmer training, and public awareness in promoting these practices, concluding that the adoption of sustainable agriculture is a necessity for ensuring future food security and environmental conservation.

Learn more about this study: https://doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2023/v35i163169

Reference:

Saikanth, D. R. K., Supriya, Singh, B. V., Rai, A. K., Bana, S. R., Sachan, D. S., & Singh, B. (2023). Advancing Sustainable Agriculture: A Comprehensive Review for Optimizing Food Production and Environmental Conservation. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 35(16), 417–425.
Nano-biofertilizers as bio-emerging strategies for sustainable agriculture development: Potentiality and their limitations

While our modern food systems rely heavily on synthetic chemicals, the authors explain that a 21st-century technological revolution might finally offer a way to protect our planet and our food supply at the same time.

They point out that climate emergencies and our long-term dependence on synthetic fertilizers have created serious risks for the environment, soil health, and the delicate balance of microorganisms in the ground. To address these drawbacks, the researchers highlight the emergence of nano-biofertilizers (NBF), which combine the precision of nanotechnology with the natural power of biofertilizers.

According to the study, these tools are not just a way to safeguard global food security as the population grows, but they also represent a much more economically and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional methods.

The authors describe how these fertilizers are made by encapsulating inorganic materials like zinc or silver, or organic ones like cellulose, using “green” microbial synthesis to avoid the contamination caused by conventional chemicals. Although the use of these “smart” fertilizers is still in its early stages, the researchers argue that they have the potential to completely transform farming into a more precise and resilient system.

This review provides a deep dive into how these NBFs are created and how they interact with plants to help them survive the stresses of a changing climate. Ultimately, the authors summarize the latest field applications for precision farming while discussing the current bottlenecks and the future trends needed to make these potent tools a reality for global agriculture.

Learn more about this review here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160476

Reference:

Sharma, B., Tiwari, S., Kumawat, K. C., & Cardinale, M. (2023). Nano-biofertilizers as bio-emerging strategies for sustainable agriculture development: Potentiality and their limitations. Science of The Total Environment, 860, 160476.
A systematic literature review on machine learning applications for sustainable agriculture supply chain performance

While data is often associated with offices and computers, the authors explain that it may actually be the most important tool we have to protect the future of global food security. They emphasize that while agriculture is the backbone of all human activity, it is currently facing massive threats from a growing population and intense competition for natural resources.

To tackle these increasingly complex problems, the researchers argue that we must lean into smart farming and precision agriculture. They highlight that data analytics—specifically disruptive technologies like machine learning, big data, and blockchain—are the keys to ensuring we have enough safe food while protecting our environment. These tools can address a wide range of issues, from boosting crop yields and saving water to maintaining the health of plants and soil.

In this study, the authors conducted a systematic review of 93 research papers to analyze how machine learning is specifically applied across different stages of the agricultural supply chain. They illustrate how these techniques can lead to more sustainable systems and even propose a new framework for putting these ideas into practice. According to the study, machine learning provides real-time insights that allow for proactive, data-driven decisions rather than just reacting to problems after they happen.

Ultimately, the authors provide a set of guidelines for researchers and policymakers to help manage these supply chains more successfully, aiming for a balance of high productivity and better environmental stewardship.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cor.2020.104926

Reference:

Sharma, R., Kamble, S. S., Gunasekaran, A., Kumar, V., & Kumar, A. (2020). A systematic literature review on machine learning applications for sustainable agriculture supply chain performance. Computers & Operations Research, 119, 104926.
Unlocking plant resources to support food security and promote sustainable agriculture

While we rely on just a handful of crops to feed the world, the authors explain that thousands of edible plants are effectively hidden in plain sight, waiting to help solve the global food crisis.

As our population grows, the researchers point out that humanity is facing a double challenge of both hunger and obesity. They argue that biodiversity is essential to addressing this, though it requires a much deeper understanding of the food resources available to us globally.

According to the study, there are at least 7,039 edible plant species, which stands in a huge contrast to the small number of crops that currently provide most of our calories and nutrients. The authors note that most of these species are multipurpose, frequently used for medicine, building materials, or environmental protection.

While major food crops are concentrated in specific centers of diversity, the researchers find that other edible plants follow natural biodiversity patterns, with the highest variety found near the equator. Even though many of these species are being preserved in conservation banks, the authors highlight that at least 11% of them are currently threatened with extinction.

To move forward, the study suggests focusing on these neglected and underutilized species to spark a new, community-driven “green revolution” that is more resilient and sustainable. They also explore how fungi could help diversify our diets and increase nutritional value.

Ultimately, the authors conclude that these plants and the traditional knowledge surrounding them are a massive untapped resource for food security, but unlocking them will require much stronger collaboration between all stakeholders.

Learn more about this study here: https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10145

Reference:

Ulian, T., Diazgranados, M., Pironon, S., Padulosi, S., Liu, U., Davies, L., Howes, M. R., Borrell, J. S., Ondo, I., Pérez‐Escobar, O. A., Sharrock, S., Ryan, P., Hunter, D., Lee, M. A., Barstow, C., Łuczaj, Ł., Pieroni, A., Cámara‐Leret, R., Noorani, A., … Mattana, E. (2020). Unlocking plant resources to support food security and promote sustainable agriculture. PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET, 2(5), 421–445.