Feeding more people with less environmental impact - is it possible?

BAKU, Azerbaijan (15 November 2024) — Sustainable intensification is increasingly recognized as essential for addressing the challenge of feeding a growing global population while protecting the environment. This approach focuses on boosting agricultural productivity without the need to expand farmland, following the principles of Climate-Smart Agriculture. This topic was a focal point of the panel discussion titled “Productivity with Purpose: How sustainable intensification can feed more people while protecting our Planet,” held at the Action on Food Hub during COP29.

During the discussion, experts from various sectors highlighted efficiency’s critical role in agricultural practices. Mr. Kubota Osamu, Deputy Assistant Minister at Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), noted the country’s recent efforts to advance sustainable agriculture. Japan has revised its Basic Act on Agriculture and Rural Areas, marking the first major policy update in 25 years. The introduction of the Midori Strategy in 2021 underscores Japan’s commitment to fostering innovation within the sector. Initiatives such as the ASEAN-Japan Midori Project are dedicated to improving practices like Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) in rice cultivation to reduce methane emissions and minimize water usage. Additionally, Japan’s research on biological nutrient intensification aims to enhance sustainable productivity.

Krysta Harden, CEO of the US Dairy Export Council, shared insights on the dairy sector’s objective of increasing milk production with fewer resources while reducing emissions, utilizing advancements in science and genetics. This initiative supports the dairy industry and contributes to global nutritional needs.

Dr. Ole Bjoern Sander from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) discussed the evolving perception of sustainable intensification. He highlighted using digital twins—sophisticated models that deliver real-time data—to help researchers predict outcomes and assess the long-term effects of agricultural practices more accurately. This innovative approach emphasizes the environmental…