Scientists have determined how to fortify the cassava plant

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Scientists have determined how to fortify the cassava plant, a staple root crop in many developing countries, with enough vitamins, minerals and protein to provide the poor and malnourished with a day’s worth of nutrition in a single meal.

The researchers have further engineered the cassava plant so it can resist the crop’s most damaging viral threats and are refining methods to reduce cyanogens, substances that yield poisonous cyanide if they are not properly removed from the food before consumption. The reduction of cyanogens also can shorten the time it takes to process the plant into food, which typically requires three to six days to complete.
Studies also are under way to extend the plant’s shelf life so it can be stored or shipped.  
The international team of scientists hopes to translate the greenhouse research into a product that can be field tested in at least two African nations by 2010. Funded by more than $12.1 million in grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the group of researchers is led by Richard Sayre, a professor of plant cellular and molecular biology at Ohio State University...read more...American Society of Plant Biologists

CLIMATE CHANGE: Cassava key to food security, say scientists

An alliance of scientists has been formed to helped promote cassava, which has emerged as a "survivor" crop able to thrive in the expected higher temperature endangered by climate change...read more, just click  kamanting

Insulin plant,Costus pictus

from a co-blogger just sharing and clickhttp://natureherbsorg.blogspot.com/2013/02/insulin-plant-costus-pictus.html

We cannot end hunger if we cannot meet squarely the challenge of climate change

"Climate-smart" agriculture needed to steer food security through changing weather, Ban says in the blog by DESERTIFICATION but for more info please click Smart Agriculture vs Global Hunger.

Official launch of the International Year of Family Farming

I used to hear here in the Philippines that the family that prays together stays together and how about the family that farms together?

I think it is a happy family because when father is not hungry the mother is not angry and the children  sleep early...and lived happily ever and after.... 

Credit: The Global Forum on Agricultural Research.

The International Year of Family Farming 2014 was officially launched last 22 November 2013, at UN Headquarters in New York. The main purpose of the event was to present the general objectives, lines of action and activities to be developed within the celebration of the IYFF 2014. In addition, the FAO Director General nominated the Special Ambassadors for the International Year of Family Farming 2014, who will be entrusted with the mandate raising the profile of family farming and smallholder farming by focusing world attention on its significant role in alleviating hunger and poverty.

Can we grow vegetables safely in plastic containers or what are the other options?

I think some insights can be drawn on this link  friends in the CGA container gardening alliance.

Photo credit: Sribudi Astuti

JOJO ROM in his  SUCCESSFUL FOOD PRODUCTION ON AN A-RISER

  credit: Container Garden Alliance     ... but for flowers i think there is no problem.

...a safer option???

Photo credit: Marie /Mixalakell

how about fruits in the container..?

...i think the answer lies in your taste buds and perspectives...are you doing all those things above for food security or just merely an ego booster to enhance your creativity?

Using natural products and essential oils as an alternative for reducing microorganisms toxins in crops, fruits and processed foods.

 Plants produce their own arsenal as part of their normal growth and development in order to fight against environmental stress, pathogen attack or other adversities. Click   bobby arcenal for added knowledge thanks to +Eva-Guadalupe Lizárraga-Paulín, UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL AUTONOMA DE MEXICO, Mexico.