Wed Nov 06 18:58:43 UTC 2024: ## Climate-Resilient Crops Key to Feeding Growing Population: Scientist
**Chennai, November 7, 2024:** Renowned agricultural scientist Rajeev K. Varshney has emphasized the urgent need for developing climate-resilient crops that are sustainable, nutritious, and highly productive to feed the world’s growing population. Delivering the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary Lecture Series at the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Varshney highlighted the role of genomics in achieving zero hunger and promoting good health and well-being.
Varshney, who holds prominent positions at the WA State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre, Murdoch University, Australia, advocated for the integration of genomics into breeding programs, a technique known as genomics-assisted breeding. This approach, he explained, utilizes advanced technologies such as pan-genomics, GWAS, and haplotype analysis to identify specific genes and develop effective genetic selection tools.
He further stressed the importance of establishing rapid-delivery systems for these technologies in developing countries. Varshney underlined the crucial role of international, national, and local government agencies in supporting this endeavor, along with capacity-building initiatives for sustainable agriculture and food security.
Acknowledging the contributions of pioneers like M.S. Swaminathan and Norman Borlaug, Varshney noted that while food production has significantly increased since the 1960s, the challenge of hunger persists globally. The lecture was attended by Sowmya Swaminathan, chairperson of the MSSRF.
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