From green to gold: agricultural revolution for food security

Abstract

Fifty years ago, Norman Borlaug was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts to increase cereal production. The changes, which became known as the 'Green Revolution', included the introduction of dwarfing genes that enabled dramatic increases in yield through the use of fertilizer and irrigation, coupled with disease resistance. Since the human population has continued to rise dramatically, maintaining a constant per capita cereal production has required a continual increase in global cereal production. Now a Golden Revolution in agriculture is needed to sustainably feed the future population and meet their rising expectations.