ID :
349434
Fri, 11/28/2014 - 04:03
Auther :

More Research On Food Security, Climate-Smart Agricultural Approaches Needed

BANGKOK, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- There is a need for more research and application of climate-smart agricultural approaches to avoid the turmoil of a food-insecure world, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). Nations in Asia and the Pacific could soon face serious political turmoil due to the looming issue of food insecurity if they don't embrace climate-smart agricultural policies and practices, its senior official told a regional gathering of Asia's top researchers and scientists. "The impacts on agriculture and food production from climate change and future population increases, especially in the developing countries of Asia, are critical issues that must be addressed now," said Hiroyuki Konuma, assistant director-general and regional representative of the FAO. "While there is presently enough food to feed everyone, more than 500 million people remain chronically hungry in our region and we may be at the precipice of a food-insecure world in the not too distant future." Konuma made the remarks in his keynote address at the 6th Asian Heads of Research Council (ASIAHORC) Symposium, here. The participants are heads of the 10 major research funding agencies and research councils from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Konuma stressed the need for policy makers to adopt climate-smart agriculture approaches or CSA, to achieve sustainable agricultural development for food security now to counter the effects of climate change on agriculture. CSA contributes to the achievement of national food security and development goals with three objectives: i) to sustainably increase agricultural productivity and incomes; ii) to adapt and build resilience to climate change, and iii) to reduce and/or remove greenhouse gas emissions where possible. "Climate change is not a dream or only the problem of our future generations. It's already happening," Konuma said. "The evidence so far suggests that climate change could affect staple crop production, especially in the most vulnerable and food insecure regions. "Declining yields could lead to higher prices for the food we need most, at a time when those who can least afford it are already facing nutritional hunger, adding to greater social instability," he added. -- BERNAMA

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