Sustainable Agriculture in the Era of the OMICs Revolution

The global population is growing rapidly, which presents a challenge for food supply. To meet this demand, we need to produce 60-110% more food and develop climate-resistant cultivars through plant breeding and biotechnological tools. We also need to develop sustainable agriculture strategies that use less water, fertilizer, and chemicals. Omics technologies are providing new opportunities to identify genes and pathways for crop domestication and improvement.

Format: Hardback
Length: 514 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

Access to sufficient food with adequate calories and essential nutrients is a fundamental entitlement of every human being. The world's population has surpassed 7.8 billion and is projected to reach 10 billion by 2055, presenting a significant challenge in terms of food supply. To meet the growing demand for basic calories, there is a pressing need for increased grain production. Consequently, it is crucial to produce a minimum of 60-110% more food to bridge the gap between food production and the needs of future generations.

In addition to meeting the nutritional requirements of modern lifestyles, there is a growing interest in the nutritional values of food. The instability of food production caused by global climate change poses another formidable challenge. The rate of global warming has accelerated in recent decades, leading to more frequent and severe extreme climate events such as higher temperatures, drought, and floods. These unprecedented scenarios present a grave threat to food scarcity. In such challenging circumstances, it is imperative to examine the genetic basis and extensive utilization of germplasm to develop "climate resilient cultivars" through the application of plant breeding and biotechnological tools.

The future crops must possess the ability to adapt to these novel and unpredictable environments. It is equally important to cultivate crop varieties that are resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses, as plant diseases, insects, drought, high- and low-temperature stresses, and other environmental factors are expected to be impacted by climate change. Therefore, we require a food production system that can simultaneously fulfill societal demands and support long-term development.

Since the Green Revolution in the 1960s, farming has been heavily reliant on the excessive application of nitrogen and pesticides. However, this approach has resulted in environmental pollution, which is unsustainable in the long run. Therefore, there is a need for a shift towards sustainable farming practices that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and environmental conservation. This includes adopting precision agriculture techniques, reducing chemical inputs, and promoting organic farming methods.

In conclusion, ensuring access to sufficient, nutritious food is a critical concern that requires urgent attention. The global population growth, climate change, and environmental degradation pose significant challenges to food production. By adopting sustainable farming practices, utilizing advanced technologies, and promoting genetic diversity, we can develop resilient cultivars and create a food production system that meets the needs of present and future generations while preserving the planet's resources.

Weight: 945g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031155673
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023