Old and New Innovations for Wheat Food Security

Abstract

The video reports the presentation of Filippo Bassi, director of ICARDA's Wheat program , during the World Food Research & Innovation Forum held the 9th May 2016 in Italy. Dr. Bassi opens the presentation with an introductory note on the Wheat program and its mission in the CWANA (Central West Asia and North Africa) Region. One of the biggest issues emphasised by the presenter is the high percentage of the areas with very low agricultural resources index in the region. In other words, there is a lack of agricultural resources which makes it difficult to survive. It is in here where the Wheat program intervenes and proposes innovation as a solution, not only for the present but especially in lieu of future population growth. Indeed, Dr. Bassi highlights the importance of investing in research. Only with research it is possible to find new varieties that are more resistant to diseases, heat and pests. Countries like Mauritania and Senegal, which have adopted the use of wheat varieties have reported an increase of production (almost doubled) with a consequent economic gain and general livelihood improvement. To conclude, Dr. Bassi reaffirms his vision and makes a call to fund research and agronomy as the solution to respond to food security challenges.