Pandemic Reminds Us the Role of Regional Growers is More Critical Than Ever
SINGAPORE, Feb 9, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - With people in Asia and around the world set to celebrate Lunar New Year,
CropLife Asia called for greater appreciation of regional growers and their critical contributions to food production -
helping ensure food security across Asia and making available many of the ingredients to dishes enjoyed during this
festive time of year.
"Lunar New Year is a time when we reflect, spend more time with friends and family, and enjoy the delicious foods of the
season," said Dr. Siang Hee Tan, CropLife Asia Executive Director. "In the midst of the ongoing global pandemic, it all
takes on greater meaning. The time spent with loved ones and eating the foods we savour will be that much more enjoyable
and memorable.
"In the midst of this year's gatherings, I hope we can also take time to think of and thank our farmer heroes. The men
and women we depend on for the food we eat during this holiday and throughout the year have been hit hard by COVID-19.
They drive food security for Asia in the midst of a growing number of challenges and obstacles. Asia's farmers earn our
respect and appreciation every day, and we owe them our gratitude."
Farmers across Asia help make Lunar New Year celebrations more festive, nutritious and delicious by producing the
various foods that are served during the holiday season. In China and across Asia, mandarin oranges are a staple that
can be found on tables and given as gifts. In Vietnam, xoi (sticky rice) is synonymous with Tet celebrations. Meanwhile,
tteokguk (rice cake soup) is a popular dish enjoyed by many in Korea; while tikoy (sticky rice treat) is a delicacy
prepared by many of those celebrating in the Philippines.
The past year has been an unprecedented time for everyone; this has been particularly true for farmers in our region.
Asia is home to the smallest-sized farms and the largest number of smallholder farmers globally. The pandemic has only
exacerbated a challenging landscape for these smallholders - one that includes mitigating the devasting impacts of
locusts, the Fall Armyworm invasive pest and climate change. Despite these challenges, regional farmers continue to grow
the safe and nutritious foods on which we depend and help ensure food security for a growing Asia and world.
Plant science continues to play a critical role in enabling farmers on this front. Biotech crops have been developed
with improved traits such as increased yield, better resistance to pests and/or improved nutrition, among others. These
traits are crucial tools that help farmers meet global challenges such as food insecurity. Meanwhile, farmers continue
to rely on crop protection products to produce more food on less land and raise productivity per hectare. Without crop
protection products, 40 percent of global rice and maize harvests could be lost every year and losses for fruits and
vegetables could be as high as 50-90 percent.
About CropLife Asia
CropLife Asia is a non-profit society and the regional organization of CropLife International, the voice of the global
plant science industry. We advocate a safe, secure food supply, and our vision is food security enabled by innovative
agriculture. CropLife Asia supports the work of 15 member associations across the continent and is led by six member
companies at the forefront of crop protection, seeds and/or biotechnology research and development. For more
information, visit us at www.croplifeasia.org.