QUEEN’S ROAD: Hidden hunger can be overcome by growing bio-fortified crops that are rich in micronutrients and Vitamin A, says geneticist M S Swaminathan.
The author, who recently released the book Combating Hunger and Achieving Food Security, was described by the United Nations Environment Programme as the Father of Economic Ecology for his role in the Green Revolution in India.
In the book, he discusses the major causes of chronic and hidden hunger and emphasises the need to redesign the farming system to increase food production.
Issues like conservation of biodiversity, helping farmers develop new skills, investment by financial corporations in agriculture. women’s role in agriculture and rural youth employment are discussed in great detail.
The scientist told City Express more about his work in an email interview. Excerpts:
What are the ways of combating hunger?
There are three major sets of action to be taken in an integrated manner to abolish hunger. Firstly, under-nutrition must be controlled with the help of the National Food Security Act. Secondly, protein hunger needs to be overcome by enabling additional consumption of pulses and milk; and lastly, we must address hidden hunger, which is caused by deficiency of micronutrients like zinc, iron, iodine and Vitamin A. Hidden hunger can be overcome with the help of bio-fortified crops that provide agricultural remedies to nutritional maladies.
How can we achieve food law in India?
Public education and public participation are effective tools. Using information technology to form village knowledge centres can be of great help.
What are the questions that your book answers?
Combating Hunger and Achieving Food Security talks about using the advancement in technology to integrate agriculture and nutrition.
How long did it take you to write the book?
About a year to write the book. I penned down important ideas as and when they came to my mind.
Not all states are ready to implement the Food Security Act.
I am sure that successful implementation by a few states will motivate others to follow suit. Public and media pressure will help the cause too.
The Central government has extended the deadline to implement the Act. What kind of effect is it going to have?
I hope the extended deadline will help states streamline their delivery system.
Your books talk about food security, poverty, green revolution. How different is your latest book from your others?
The latest is partially based on the knowledge I gained as the Chairman of the National Commission on Farmers. Its report represents the voice of farmers.