AFRICAN TRIBULATIONS- FOOD SECURITY UNDER THREAT

African continent is less fortunate compared to Asia in terms of technological up-gradation of the agricultural activities and nothing short of a Green Revolution that saved Asia during sixties and seventies of last millennium from famine and starvation, can revive its fortunes. The grain yield is less than one third of that achieved by Asian farmers. It is an undeniable fact that 75% of world's ultra poor people live in Africa and the demand for food far outstrips domestic food supply. In 1970 most countries there were net exporters of food while to day many of them have become perpetual food importers.

Piling on this misery crop diseases are taking their own toll. "The banana bunch top viral disease, one of the world's most invasive, has established itself in half of the banana-growing regions of sub-Saharan Africa, worsening food insecurity for 30 million people on the continent whose primary source of food is the banana". Uganda, the country most affected, finds itself in a corner as it depends heavily on Banana to sustain its economy. Similarly 12 countries in the sub-Saharan Africa are reeling under the onslaught of Banana Wilt Disease. In Kenya the devastating dry spell is casting gloom all around with fast deteriorating living conditions calling for massive international assistance. "The World Food Program (WFP) feels that 3.8 million Kenyans need emergency food supplies amid a devastating dry spell that is failing crops, emaciating animals, emptying taps and causing electrical blackouts in urban and rural Kenya"

Though India is also under pressure in the agricultural front due to the erratic monsoon season affecting food production causing steep increase in prices of many commodities, going to the socour of our poor brethren in Africa through some gestures in the form aid will have great impact. With generous subsidies being showered upon Indian farmers, GOI must consider helping the unfortunate countries in the Africa at this time of distress.

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