“From “green genetic engineering” to vertical farms: The Farming of the Future” is DW’s latest documentary about agriculture issues. Modern agriculture has produced more food than ever, but it has limitations. Fertilisers and pesticides are needed to maintain yields on one-third of the world’s farmable land, which is near collapse. With changing seasons and intense weather events, climate change is making it harder for farmers to raise food.
The documentary also shows that despite plenty of food, hunger and malnutrition still happen in many places. According to the UN, our world may not be able to feed 10 billion people by 2100. The documentary revisits the 1950s Green Revolution. Norman Borlaug’s work on high-yield wheat cultivars helped Mexico become self-sufficient in food and raised crop yields worldwide. This discovery allowed farmers to grow more food on less land. This revolution reduced agricultural diversity. Only three grains—wheat, maise, and rice—provide two-thirds of the world’s food. Lack of variety makes our food supply more susceptible to illness and pests.
The video talks about “green genetic engineering,” It may be necessary to use vertical farming to feed the world’s growing population. “Green genetic engineering” uses traditional breeding and biotechnology to make crops more resistant to diseases and pests and better able to grow in different kinds of weather. Vertical farming involves growing crops in a skyscraper or underground. This lets farmers produce crops year-round in any weather and consumes less land and water than conventional farming.
The documentary also notes that one-third of all food produced is wasted or lost. The documentary also examines possible solutions being created and deployed. Precision agriculture collects crop growth and soil data using drones and sensors. This helps farmers make fertilisation and irrigation choices and save resources.
Regenerative agriculture is another prominent option. This holistic farming method promotes soil health and biodiversity. Cover farming, crop rotation, and synthetic chemical reduction are involved. Regenerative agriculture improves soil health, production, and farm greenhouse gas emissions.
The documentary also emphasises issues concerning developing countries. Many African, Asian, and Latin American smallholder farmers lack contemporary technology and financial means. This makes adopting new procedures and increasing yields challenging.
The documentary says vertical farms could help cities with limited land produce more food. Vertical farms employ hydroponic or aeroponic systems to stack crops, saving water and space. This method produces leafy greens, herbs, and tiny fruits.
The documentary also suggests more research into “green genetic engineering” to make crops more resistant to diseases, pests, and weather. This method increases crop yields and reduces synthetic chemical use.
The documentary emphasises educating consumers and legislators about the agricultural industry’s current issues. Sustainable agriculture, reducing food waste, and reducing poverty must be promoted to the public to ensure that everyone has enough food to live a healthy, happy life.
The DW documentary talks about the current problems in the agricultural industry and the need for new ways to feed a growing population. Precision agriculture, regenerative agriculture, vertical farming, and “green genetic engineering” are all possible ways to end hunger and malnutrition. However, the video also shows the problems that smallholder farmers in developing countries face since they often don’t have access to modern technology or money. It encourages farmers, academics, and governments to collaborate to solve these issues and guarantee everyone has enough food for a healthy and meaningful life.
