Title: Contribution of bioengineered food in addressing hunger and food and nutrition security (FNS)
Abstract:
Despite advancements in agriculture and farming over the years, hunger (defined as “an uncomfortable or painful physical sensation caused by insufficient consumption of dietary energy”) continues to increase in some parts of the world. The author of this work argues that innovative engineering solutions have the potential to help solve hunger crisis. Agricultural biotechnology [(AB): also termed as agribiotech or green biotechnology], e. g., can contribute to greater food and nutrition security (FNS). It is in this context that bioengineered food [also known Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)] has gained increased significance. Bioengineered food refer to “food that contains genetic material that has been modified through laboratory techniques”). It is pertinent to note that FNS is achieved when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to safe, adequate, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and preferences for an active and healthy life.
This research work primarily aims to look into significance of bioengineered food in addressing hunger and FNS. Also, appropriate examples of innovations in AB in the context of bioengineered food have been quoted by the author. Secondary data (largely ‘qualitative’ in nature) have been used. Data were collected from sources such as books, book chapters, journal articles, and publications of government departments and inter-governmental agencies. Method of data analysis is descriptive, involving desk-based research approach. Descriptive analysis summarize the attributes of a data set.
Analysis of data in this work suggests that foods that are bioengineered can (a) increase yields, (b) boost nutrition levels, and (c) enhance crops’ resistance to diseases. Agricultural engineers are vital to the development of bioengineered food technology. An advanced engineering education can prepare aspiring agricultural engineers to support the fight against hunger, now and at all times. Bioengineered food or GMOs are outcome of various biotechnological interventions. Agricultural scientists use the term GMOs to refer to any organism (including plants and animals) that has been created or altered at the genetic level through genetic engineering (GE).
Some prominent examples of innovations in AB that have resulted in bioengineered food are herbicide-tolerant and pest-resistant crops, nutritiously dense crops, and conservation tillage. Detailed description of these innovations is presented below:
1. Resilient Crops: New seed technologies have enabled farmers increase crop production. AB scientists have developed stacked corn varieties genetically engineered to offer multiple protective traits, such as (a) herbicide tolerance, (b) pest resistance, and (c) drought tolerance.
2. Golden Rice: It is genetically enhanced variety of rice with provitamin A contents: a nutrient not available in other grown rice. Importantly, provitamin A supports healthy skin, vision, and immune system functioning.
3. Conservation Tillage: It refers to is an agricultural practice that aims to prevent soil erosion, conserve water, and improve long-term soil health.
This work briefly concludes that agricultural biotechnology has numerous applications, which can help minimize food insecurity. GMO foods, for instance, have the potential to provide food that is healthier and produced with greater efficiency and sustainability. GMOs can relieve global food shortages to a significant extent.
