FARMING FOR FOOD-THE SHIFTING PARADIGM

Prediction of massive starvation due to near stagnant food production and unrestricted growth of population, especially in the developing countries during sixties and seventies of the last millennium was proved false, thanks to the Green Revolution that achieved quantum jumps in food grain production. Of course this was achieved through better technologies based on greater inputs of energy and water besides causing environmental degradation affecting the quality of life in this planet. Sustainable agricultural system, now being promoted, calls for increased food production with least damage to the nature.

"Demands frequently fall under the banner of sustainability, which many define as balancing the needs of people and the planet with economic viability. The food system looms large as a major user of fossil fuels and water and a producer of greenhouse gas emissions. Several supply chain-wide initiatives made up of diverse stakeholders are developing sets of quantitative metrics that together will define how to measure sustainability".

Those countries already riding high on wealth, blessed with stagnant populations with negligible, some times even negative birth rate, can preach restraint and moderation from others which are on the threshold of high economic growth and development. It is a big dilemma for the developing world as to how they can balance the increased need for foods to their population, at the same time make agriculture a sustainable proposition as being discussed in many international fora. The present dialog between developed and developing countries on measures to reduce greenhouse gas emission does not seem to be going any where with no consensus emerging regarding future course of action and responsibilities to be shouldered by each country.

V.H.POTTY
http://vhpotty.blogspot.com/
http://foodtechupdates.blogspot.com