THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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The United Nations estimates that the current world population of 8.1 billion people could reach over 10 billion before the end of the century. The challenges of feeding a growing population are considerable under any circumstances, and they are further complicated by the shift towards urbanization.
As more people move to cities, farmlands can get reduced or fragmented, and the distance between the source of food production and consumption increases. This not only strains transportation and distribution systems but also increases the risk of food wastage. In addition to the challenges posed by rapid urbanization, there’s another pressing concern on the horizon. We are now navigating a period of climate instability, which is affecting agricultural productivity worldwide.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, organizations worldwide have acknowledged the importance of addressing these challenges head-on. Global food security is essential for humanity to thrive, and to maintain stable societies where every human being has the opportunity to achieve their full potential. The United Nations is giving massive priority to food security.
Zero Hunger is the second of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While organizations like the United Nations emphasize its importance, the intricacies involved in the entire process of food production and distribution are intricate and multifaceted. The food journey from ‘field to fork’ is often a lengthy one, and the concept of food security is highly complex.
A reliable supply of food depends on effective agronomical planning, successful harvests, efficient food production and processing systems, and the complex logistics that underpin a final distribution system.
Agriculture and food production are uniquely vulnerable to a range of pressures, including adverse weather conditions, less available arable land, pests, diseases, soil erosion and degradation, and availability of water for irrigation. Yet, even as we advance in many agricultural techniques, the roots of the problem have remained persistent over millennia.
Current Challenges to Food Security
After an estimated 12,000 years of human agricultural development, we still face many challenges that the earliest Fertile Crescent farmers would immediately recognize. Recent times have seen an exacerbation of these issues, emphasizing the urgent need to find solutions and adapt to the changing landscape of agriculture.
- Extreme weather events related to climate change.
- Water shortages that cause irrigation issues.
- Soil nutrient loss and soil degradation.
- The impact of war on agriculture and food supply chains.
- Rises in the cost of essential fertilizers.
Today, we add to this list an ever-growing population, a decrease in available arable land, and the challenge to make agricultural practices more sustainable. Amid these challenges, there are potent solutions and strategies that have stood the test of time and proven their effectiveness.
The Role of Fertilizers in Advancing Food Security
A crucial aspect of increasing global food production is the use of fertilizers. These not only provide crops with essential nutrients that help boost growth, health, and yields but also when used responsibly, can significantly reduce environmental impact. While fertilizers can be as simple as animal manure, or compost made from garden waste and kitchen scraps – which were used throughout history- the incorporation of sustainable practices ensures that we can meet today’s needs without compromising the future.
Beyond traditional methods, advancements in the fertilizer industry have also paved the way for significant leaps in crop yields and soil health. The International Fertilizer Association (IFA) estimates that mineral fertilizers are responsible for over half the food produced worldwide. The role of fertilizers in ensuring food security as the world population grows is paramount.
Boosting crop yields and reducing the gap between current and potential yields can be achieved by adopting various practices and techniques. For instance, adequate use of fertilizers coupled with efficient nutrient management, such as balanced fertilization approach and integrated nutrient management, can significantly contribute to global food security.
Farming, food production, and retail are commercial ventures that depend on profitability for survival. The cycle begins with researchers and agronomists, and their ability to develop, acquire, and utilize the latest technological innovations such as controlled-release fertilizers. Agronomical research is essential to:
- Improve crop health, yields, and nutritional value.
- Reduce costs and improve efficiency at field level.
- Develop sustainable agricultural practices.
- Preserve existing top soils and make marginal lands viable for agriculture.
- Enable new agricultural ventures for both rural and urban communities.
When fertilizers are used on plantations, large fields, or for specialist crops, users require tailored solutions. Commercially manufactured fertilizers with optimal ratios of the 3 most essential nutrients (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)), are the most practical solutions. When agronomists or growers create fertilizer plans, they need scalability, precision, and cost-effectiveness.
Speaking of advancements and solutions in advancing food security, ICL Group, a leading global fertilizer manufacturer, has positioned itself at the forefront of this mission.
Conclusion
As the global population continues to grow, compounded by the challenges of climate instability, the demand for sustainable food solutions has never been more pressing. Fertilizers, an age-old solution, remain at the epicenter of addressing this challenge. However, the future of fertilization hinges not just on its usage, but on its judicious and sustainable application.
Technological advancements underscore the blend of innovation and responsibility the world needs. ICL’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to sustainable practices set a benchmark, demonstrating how businesses can play a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of global food security. The takeaways are clear: for a future where everyone has enough to eat, we must lean on a combination of science, sustainability, and strategic planning.
Responsible fertilizer use not only promises healthier crops, higher yields, and more nutritious food, but also ensures environmental conservation and socio-economic upliftment, painting a brighter, greener, and better future for all.
Source: ICL Group
