The Green Revolution occurred in the 1950s and 1960s. High-yielding types of wheat and rice were developed. It impacted greatly on the developing world. Chemical fertilizers and managed irrigation added to output. With the population rising on the planet, we badly need a new green revolution. Work is being done on rice specifically modified to produce heavy grain heads that will grow in cabinets where a perfect natural environment is created.
For ten years, universities in eight countries have been pushing toward this brave new world of food production. The research consortium is headed by Oxford University and is funded by Melinda and Bill Gates. The aim is improved food production so investigative barriers have been broken: rice is being re-engineered with genes from corn and maize. Less fertilizer and water will be needed. Current Yield will be increase by 50 percent.
In Western countries wheat is by-far the most consumed crop. However, more rice is eaten world-wide than any other food. Half of the people in the world eat rice as the staple. Yield has levelled-off. The new rice is badly needed.
◆ BIOLOGY ◆
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