Breaking: how the US plans to increase food production in the light of global warming

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Published on: https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/

The world’s food system is heavily challenged. As the rapid increase in population threatens food chain productivity, one-third of all food produced is wasted every year. On top of that, climate change affects crops, leading to insufficient production. At the same time, the quality of food is significantly reduced, considering the extreme changes in weather and less precipitation every year. With frequent droughts and wildfires, the food production sector provides the bare minimum for the current population.

Fortunately, with the help of technology, food production activity can be increased, or at least kept to a decent rate, to cope with the actual number of people in need of food. The UN reported that global hunger was already an increasing concern in 2021, getting to 828 million people affected by it.

Research and technology are currently the only viable solutions to minimize the consequences of social, economic and natural occurrences, which is why the US comes with expertise to increase food production.

Plant-based coating can reduce the chances of spoilage

A US business devised a plan to protect foods during the supply chain stage. The organization discovered a way to coat fruits and vegetables through a “tasteless, odorless, invisible and edible” product that is supposed to keep a physical barrier from the outside world. The coating consists of organic compounds and fatty acids extracted from the actual product. It has already been shown that this coating can increase the expectancy of freshness in avocados and oranges, and more produce is tested now. The plant-based coating is sprayed on the product and can contain citric acid of thyme oil to protect against bacteria. It can be easily rinsed off with water and will biodegrade in only three days.

Why are companies trying this method if many other packaging solutions are available? The latest market research shows us how an increasing number of Americans prefer sustainable packaging, while some have even changed product brands due to this challenge. With tools like Savanta USA, businesses learn insights into customers’ behaviors and better understand their audiences, which is essential for small details like the packaging.

Climate-resilient crops can be the solution to arid land

Extreme drought has affected the amount of soil moisture worldwide, eventually leading to smaller yields and desertification. Other impacts on soil include erosion accelerated by drought and heat waves. Yield productivity is also determined by the early arrival of spring since trees blossom long before the pollinators hatch. Finally, rising sea levels might contaminate the soil with elements such as salt.

Considering these factors that cannot be controlled, a solution has already been discovered to

help crops thrive in salty soil. Salicornia, for example, is an edible plant growing in multiple parts of the world and is currently cultivated in contaminated soil to contribute to water desalination. Other related methods of cutting on water use include hydrogels that retain water and sub-surface irrigation systems.

Irrigated agriculture is twice as productive as rainfed culture so climate-resilient crops can lead to production intensification and crop diversification. Agricultural production is expected to develop by at least 70% by 2050 when the worldwide population will reach over 10 billion.

Precision farming techniques can reduce costs and increase land values

Precision farming is another method that needs reinforcement, given current agricultural needs. The approach uses digital mapping to select crops and enable water applications within specific spaces. Drones and sensors will be leveraged to properly analyze the type of soil and its characteristics to apply a programmed action. With the help of precision farming, farmers may use less water and reduce the chances of chemical contamination.

Therefore, agricultural approaches could be enhanced to reduce costs and increase the harvestability percentage by gathering data and using it to have more insight into the farm’s land capabilities. With expanded acres, farmers might face difficulties pointing out the soil’s productivity rate based on specific points on the map. This issue can be solved with the help of drones and similar technologies that get information directly from the soil’s characteristics.

Urban farming increases the chances of food production productivity

Besides planning and harvesting on the rural side, farmers and companies can expand their action areas and include urban and peri-urban areas in their crop plans. Urban vegetation has benefited cities and similar population gatherings, from mitigating GHG emissions to decreasing air pollution. But that’s not all: urban farming can help increase biodiversity and expand pollinators’ habitats, which are essential for crop productivity. Moreover, this approach has multiple health advantages and provides recreation spaces.

For example, more trees in these urban areas can ensure food, shade and offer a cooling effect during extreme heat. The best way to include urban farming is by using rooftops to plant certain plants, leverage gray water, and waste energy from homes from below. Another solution for crowded towns includes vertical farms in warehouses and remote buildings.

Plants can now grow with the help of LED technology, and while the soil is not needed, the nutrient-rich water is enough to help the plant’s roots spread and the plant to gain more strength to move into the ground afterwards. This way, farmers can cut down on pesticides considerably, and fresh produce can be provided all year around to local restaurants and markets.

Vertical farming can improve the crop’s quality, and due to its geographic versatility, it can be approached in any way. However, it is energy-dependent and requires advanced knowledge. Considering these challenges, we have yet to see how companies will leverage their technical records to offer solutions to what seems to be a quick fix to the planet’s climate change challenge.

Bottom line

With the current climate change issues, the soil is affected by drought, waters are contaminated, and the excessive heat makes it impossible for farmers to keep up and be productive. To mitigate the risks of world hunger, the US comes up with advanced technological solutions to help farmers and the population adapt to the current world situation.