A Plate Full of Hope: Part 2
Dr. Manojit Basu
Although I was born into a fourth-generation farming family, it became clear by the mid-90s that the family farm was no longer a viable option. A lack of access to tools like effective pesticides, fertilizers and seeds meant that my family was unable to grow enough crops to make a viable living. Fortunately, I was able to get my Doctorate in plant science and began my career as a postdoctoral researcher working on carbon sequestration and biofuel production. Due to my background, I am passionate about the work I do and working to help others understand that challenges that exist for farmers in the U.S. and around the world.
Often, people believe “it will never happen to me,” but as we have seen over the last several years, the struggle is real worldwide! Take the recent challenges in Africa. The recent infestations of desert locusts, which feed on maize and sorghum and pastures, has significantly affected smallholder farmers. Every year, the UN releases a report on the State of Food Security and Nutrition. In 2021, as many as 828 million people (9.8% of the world’s population) were affected by hunger, which has increased by 150 million from 2019. Clearly the global pandemic and political stability played roles in this increase in food insecurity, but I think this just illustrates how fragile the food system can be. As the impacts of climate change intensify over coming years, food security will undoubtedly be impacted. USDA’s Fourth Climate Assessment Report indicates that if climate change continues as projected, U.S. agricultural productivity could drop to pre-1980s levels by 2050 ¹. This is a clear call to action to do what we can to reduce that impact.
While only a part of the solution, I know pest control will continue to be an important component in mitigating climate change. The agriculture community will need to support the following:
Continued innovation in new pesticide products that are effective and can be used safely
As pest pressures change, new tools will be needed. This is not an easy feat. On average, it takes more than 11 years and 100s of tests to develop a new active ingredient that meets stringent safety standards and efficacy expectations². Continued investment in innovation will be key.
Greater adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)³
In IPM, the whole ecosystem is considered when combating diseases, insects, and weeds. This approach reduces environmental impacts, slows, and manages the evolution of pest resistance, and preserves pesticide technologies over time. In addition, using IPM enhances farm productivity, reduces land and fossil fuel use.
Better forecasting of pest and disease pressures
With better forecasting, farmers will be better equipped to prevent and mitigate the impacts of pests and disease. This enables precision application of pesticides and helps protect the crop for food security.
More data collection and communication with stakeholders about the link between pest control and food security
It’s critical when facing the huge challenges of climate change and food security to develop multiple solutions, and to test what’s working and what’s not to help ensure continuous improvement. Stakeholders and policy makers need this information to make good decisions that will reduce the impact of climate change on food security.
Efficient use of resources driven by data, robotics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Just as we see technological disruptions happening in other professional areas, agriculture is ready for a similar disruption. Looking forward, we must use all the tools in the toolkit to maintain or increase productivity to feed a growing global population.
As Alfred Henry Lewis (pseudonym Dan Quin) said in 1906 – “there are only nine meals between mankind and anarchy.” I truly believe we can work together to avoid crisis and bring together all the solutions to food loss and waste that will be needed to address food insecurity. Where do you see opportunities to work better together? Will you join me?
¹ Agriculture and Rural Communities. In Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States: Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II. (2017). Agriculture and Rural Communities - Fourth National Climate Assessment (globalchange.gov)
² Phillips-McDougall-Evolution-of-the-Crop-Protection-Industry-since-1960-FINAL.pdf (croplife.org)
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