FEEDING THE FUTURE: CROP PROTECTION TODAY

Crop protection includes a variety of strategies used to decrease crop damage due to pests and diseases. These methods include the use of pesticides, cultural practices, biological control organisms, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), genetically modified plants (GMO) and insect pest and disease resistant crop varieties and cultivars. More sustainable alternatives to current pest control practices should be researched and developed such as organic farming. Only by improving these areas will India be able to feed its growing population and eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.