Food security is a global issue that has implications faced by many, so much so that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has estimated that 925 million people do not have sufficient food to eat[1]. With an estimated world population of over 9 billion people by 2050, and projected global demand for food to increase by at least 2.5 times over current levels[2], it is increasingly important for governments to deliver sustainable and equitable food security.

Today, the global challenge is not only how to generate enough food to feed a growing population but also how to preserve land, water and quality resources at the same time. With this in mind, improving agricultural productivity globally, particularly in food-deficient countries, will be essential to meet these challenges[3].

The FAO believes that farmers around the world need to shift towards more sustainable and productive farming systems to grow the food needed by a swelling world population[4].  This means a stronger-than-ever emphasis on agricultural innovation and Bioglobal is well-positioned to respond to these growing markets.  Bioglobal’s insect management products and technologies address strategically important areas highlighted by the OECD[5] where  agricultural innovation can make a key contribution to addressing food security concerns:

1.      Integrated pest management:

The objective is to produce quality crop yields with techniques that minimise environmental impacts. Pest outbreaks can thus be prevented or limited, by developing and using green mechanical, biological, chemical and other controls only as needed.

2.      Improved water management:

Agriculture depends on water availability and water quality, thus it will be increasingly important to develop innovative strategies for sustainable water management. Innovative methods for conserving water on the farm-level will be important, such as improved irrigation techniques.

3.      Agricultural extension:

A key element in supporting agriculture’s role is access to information. Extension programmes were originally conceived as a service to “extend” research-based knowledge to the rural sector in order to improve the lives of farmers. The traditional view of extension in developing countries was very much focused on increasing production, improving yields, training farmers, and transferring technology.

4.      Minimising the pre and post harvest losses:

The reduction in pre and post harvest losses would in itself contribute in a major way to food security. There is an urgent need for replacing the rudimentary pre- and post-harvest practices with innovative, scientific and low cost models.

5.      Adjustment in farm practices:

Farm mechanisation will be essential for increasing food production in developing countries. Machinery and implements have to be tailor made to the conditions in each of the agro-climate zones. In addition, the development of prediction tool models and on-site diagnostics can optimise farm practices by minimising the inputs (fertiliser, water, agrochemicals) and maximising the yield.

 Bioglobal develops and manufacturers innovative insect management technologies and products which deliver positive outcomes in all of these areas.  The company consistently strives to respond to global demands through good science and agricultural innovation.