Future Challenges and the Need for Seed Research in Food Security

Eshita Kundu and Sanjoy Kumar Bordolui

Abstract

Food security measures how easily people can obtain food and how readily it is available. It has a strong correlation with socioeconomic status, disposable income, and household resources. Other issues like food prices, the changing global environment, water, energy, and the expansion of agriculture are also closely related to it. Seed security, however, is the foundation of sustainable agriculture since it ensures farmers have steady access to high-quality seeds of their preferred crop varieties. Both food and seed security shares key dimensions like availability, access, utilization, and stability. High-quality seeds directly influence crop yields, resilience to environmental stresses, and long-term food supply. The relationship between food and seed security is illustrated in this study, with a focus on the significance of seed quality, varietal suitability, and seed system resilience. It outlines the challenges in traditional farming practices such as seed dormancy, size, colour, and shattering, and highlights the role of biotechnologies in enhancing seed traits to adapt to climate change, pests and diseases. The impact of environmental, technological, and socio-political factors on agricultural productivity is also examined.

Hunger persists worldwide despite sufficient food production and is frequently caused by poverty, conflict, and environmental shocks. In order to combat hunger, policies that promote sustainable farming methods, education, and poverty alleviation must be implemented. Innovations in biotechnology and conservation of biodiversity are vital for future food systems. There is hope for creating resilient crops to guarantee food security thanks to seed banks and biotechnological developments.

Ultimately, the conclusion is that there is a need for integrated efforts from research and innovation to policy and community support to combat hunger, ensure food and seed security, and promote sustainable agricultural development in the face of growing global challenges.