Stockholm/New Delhi: Painting a scary
picture, a FAO study has warned that many developing Asian
nations would have to import cereals to meet their food
requirements, which is expected to double by 2050.
These countries could face the "politically risky"
prospect of food shortage unless there are major reforms in
water management for agriculture in the region.
A study of irrigation in Asia conducted by the United
Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the
International Water Management Institute has concluded that
water reform is urgently needed in the region to feed extra
"1.5 billion people by 2050".
"... without major reforms and innovations in the way
water is used for agriculture, many developing nations face
the politically risky prospect of having to import more than a
quarter of the rice, wheat and maize they will need by 2050,"
the report said.
According to the study, funded by the Asian Development
Bank (ADB), there would be 1.5 billion more people living in
Asia by 2050, as the region's populations rises to five
billion.
Bureau Report
First Published: Tuesday, August 18, 2009, 19:56