ASPECTS OF THE FUTURE OF AGROTECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

The following are important factors in the future development of agrotechnologies - the development of the world population, advancements with regard to education, progress in food production systems in various regions of the world  together with the critical situation of malnutrition in different countries worldwide.

It is necessary to improve the production and productivity of crops. Pre-harvest and postharvest losses are still too high, and the use of agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers, irrigation and energy, have to be reduced as much as possible.The development and implementation of

agrotechnologies has to be undertaken - especially  the use of genetically modified crops – in order to feed the world in future in a more sustainable way.

Furthermore, we must substitute fossil energy in the long term. Some arable land will no doubt still be used for crops which play an important role in the bioconversion of renewable raw materials and also for new products for the market  place. However, there will still be some fertile arable land suitable for food production which willbe used for the production of agrofuels.

Additionally, in many countries arable land is alsoused for the production of pet food – something really questionable if on the other side  of the world there are people starving and dying from hunger.

Finally, the developed countries have to open theirmarkets for agricultural products from developing countries and to reduce protectionism.

The Charter for Food Security from Maxwell should be a basis for a future balanced relationship between the developed and developing countries so that hunger, migration, dictatorships, terrorism, and wars are avoided.