Zero Hidden Hunger: Role of Vegetables

Abstract

TAccording to the latest UN projections, world population will rise to 9.1 billion in 2050. Almost all this population growth will occur in the developing countries. Global demand for food, feed and fibre will nearly double. Crops may also be used for bioenergy and other industrial purposes. New and traditional demands for agricultural produces will put great pressure on already available agricultural resources. Agriculture will be forced to compete for land and water with sprawling urban settlements. Mitigation of climate change is another challenge for agriculture. They will need new technologies to grow more from less land, with a fewer resources. As per FAO, there is little scope for further expansionof agricultural land. Considerableamount of land potentially suitable for agriculture is covered by forestsor protected for environmentalreasons or used for urban settlements. The optimal use of land and water is the basis for intensive agriculture. Today, the world average per capita crop land has decreased to around 0.27 hectares. The demand for food is expected to grow as a result of population growth and rising incomes. Demand for cereals (for food and animal feed) is projected to reach some 3 billion tones by 2050. Annual cereal production will have to grow by almost one billion tones. Here comes the role of horticulture especially vegetables. Vegetables have tremendous potential in terms of natural resources. Further, their productivity is very high in vegetables when compared to cereals. In developing countries, the effort to ensure food security with staple food crops has neglected the need for nutritional security. Even though starchy staples provide calories and some protein, the important role of other dietary components vital for health largely available through consumption of vegetables and fruits are often ignored. World Health Organisation (WHO) has introduced a food based dietary guideline as a resource for achieving good health by public and as a resource for countries for developing their own guide lines. Increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables is included in the guidelines of most countries