|
June 11, 2009
Source: The Meridian
Institute's Food Security and Ag-Biotech News
The Cup Half Empty
Source:Nature
Genetics
This editorial argues for the importance of genetics research in
reducing hunger. The world's food supply needs to double by 2050
without increasing demand for water or fuel, one-sixth of the
world's population is going hungry already, and agricultural
genetics is "one of the easier parts of solution," according to
the editorial. Rational breeding schemes, shortcuts with the use
of molecular markers, transgenic technology, and recognition of
the genetic resources of locally adapted heritage strains may
all be used in the effort to put well-tested and robust crop
lines in the hands of local growers, it says. Another point made
by the editorial is that "adequate nutrition has a much larger
impact on global health outcomes than any medical intervention."
The editorial can be viewed online at
http://www.nature.com/ng/journal/v41/n6/full/ng0609-635.html
|
|
