'Protect agri biodiversity to curb rising global food prices'

NEW DELHI: Pointing that there are now just 12 crops and 14 animal species that provide most of the world's food, the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation has asked countries to protect genetic diversity of crops at a time of soaring food prices.

"We call upon the international community to intensify its commitment and action towards integrating food security and biodiversity concerns," FAO Assistant Director General Alexander Muller said on the website.

Just 12 crops and 14 animal species now provide most of the world's food. Fewer genetic diversity means fewer opportunities for the growth and innovation needed to boost agriculture at a time of soaring food prices, FAO noted. Muller said the erosion of biodiversity for food and agriculture severely compromises global food security.

"We need to strengthen our efforts to protect and wisely manage biodiversity for food security. Its sustainable use is central to achieve a secure and sustainable food supply system".

Acknowledging the importance of biodiversity to food security, the UN body raised an alarm saying that estimated three-quarters of the varietals genetic diversity of farm crops have been lost over the last century and that hundreds of the 7,000 animal breeds registered in its database are threatened by extinction.

Furthermore, as biodiversity used in food and agriculture declines, the food supply becomes more vulnerable and unsustainable, it cautioned, adding that agriculture becomes less adaptable to environmental challenges, such as climate change or water scarcity.