The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, has harped on the need for farmers around the world to have access to quality seeds.

According to him, this would enable the farmers to produce 50 per cent more food for the global population predicted to reach about 10 billion by 2050.

Dongyu spoke at the Global Conference on Green Development of Seed Industries hosted by the FAO.

He said, “There are no good crops without good seeds. Seeds are the foundation of agri-food systems. We rely on seeds to produce food, feed, fibre, fuel, and they contribute to a friendly environment.

“The world is facing a global population rise that is expected to reach 10 billion by 2050. We need to produce 50 per cent more food to adequately feed everyone. The only way to achieve this target is by increasing crop productivity through science and innovation.”

Dongyu maintained that green and climate-resilient agriculture is supported by innovation and is critical to making sure that agri-food systems increase their benefits.

Also, he noted that producing lower Green House Gas Emissions was fundamental for sustainability.

The development, according to Dongyu, would ensure food security, improve human wellbeing, create opportunities for employment and decent work for all, and protect the planet, now and in the future.

On her part, CEO of the Pan-African Farmers Organization, Fatma Ben Rejeb, noted that raising the quality of seeds that are resilient to climate stress, improving the use of natural resources, and boosting the food and nutrition security would be a great contribution to secure higher crop yields, economic development and higher incomes for farmers.

Representing smallholder farmers from at least 45 countries, Rejeb also highlighted the importance of smallholder farmers’ ancestral knowledge, describing them as “the drivers for agriculture development”.

The two-day conference brings together a broad spectrum of participants, including representatives from civil society, international organizations, FAO Members and the public and private sectors who will bring their perspectives, case studies and priorities to the discussions.

source agronigeria