Manipulated Crops Can Meet Global Food Needs, Experts Say
Genetically modified crops can help sustain a growing world population amid diminishing resources,
Advances in genetically manipulated crops could help avert a food crisis of massive proportions, agriculture experts say. A changing climate is adding pressure to the already-stressed agricultural sector. At the same time, more food must be produced to sustain a rapidly growing population — and to alleviate chronic hunger or undernourishment in nearly 2 billion people today. Between now and 2050, food production must increase 70 percent to adequately feed a population reaching 9 billion by midcentury, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization. This will require a dramatic overhaul of farming practices along with a new generation of superefficient and “climate-ready” crops, according to a growing chorus of international experts. Adding to the challenge is a projected decline in crop yields that scientists say will hit some regions harder than others.
Advances in genetically manipulated crops could help avert a food crisis of massive proportions, agriculture experts say. A changing climate is adding pressure to the already-stressed agricultural sector. At the same time, more food must be produced to sustain a rapidly growing population — and to alleviate chronic hunger or undernourishment in nearly 2 billion people today. Between now and 2050, food production must increase 70 percent to adequately feed a population reaching 9 billion by midcentury, according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization. This will require a dramatic overhaul of farming practices along with a new generation of superefficient and “climate-ready” crops, according to a growing chorus of international experts. Adding to the challenge is a projected decline in crop yields that scientists say will hit some regions harder than others.
