Focusing on Underutilized Crops and Aquatic Foods for a Climate-Resilient Future
July 24, 2023In the face of climate change and growing global food demands, scientists are increasingly looking to underutilized crops and aquatic foods as potential solutions. Foods like millet, seaweed, cassava, and mussels, which have traditionally been overlooked in favor of staples like wheat and rice, offer resilience against climate-related stresses and are nutritionally rich.
Millet, for instance, can thrive in dry conditions and poor soils, making it an ideal crop for regions affected by drought. It’s also rich in protein and other nutrients, offering significant health benefits. Similarly, cassava, a starchy root vegetable, is known for its resilience to erratic weather patterns and can grow in low-quality soils. It’s a critical food source in several tropical countries.
On the aquatic front, seaweed and mussels present a wealth of untapped potential. Seaweed farming has minimal environmental impacts and can help absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It’s a rich source of fiber, protein, and various essential nutrients. Mussels, on the other hand, require no feed to grow and help improve water quality by filtering out excess nutrients.
Despite these benefits, challenges exist in scaling up the production and consumption of these foods. These include lack of consumer awareness, limited market development, and the need for research to optimize cultivation techniques. Collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and food industry stakeholders will be crucial to overcoming these hurdles.
In conclusion, underutilized crops and aquatic foods present a significant opportunity in the fight against climate change and global hunger. To unlock their potential, a concerted effort is needed from all stakeholders in the food system.
