Can we secure food and nutrition through crop innovation ?

Abstract

Climate change poses an existential challenge to global food and nutritional security by disrupting agricultural systems, altering crop yields, and affecting the availability of essential nutrients. Increasing temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and a greater frequency of extreme weather events negatively impact crop productivity, threatening the stability of food supply chains. Additionally, climate-induced stresses such as drought, salinity, and heat not only reduce yield quantity but also affect the nutritional composition of staple crops, potentially exacerbating micronutrient deficiencies. Addressing these challenges necessitates a multi-faceted approach, integrating genetic improvements, sustainable agricultural practices, and the development of climate-resilient crops that can thrive under adverse conditions. This special issue on ‘Food and Nutritional Security' brings together state-of-the-art reviews by experts and cutting-edge studies that highlight the importance of current research in crop science. The reviews and case studies that are contained in this volume provide a concise overview of the field, acknowledging current gaps in knowledge, while examining the potential of genetic innovations, sustainable agronomic practices, and biotechnological advancements in addressing food security challenges.