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DAILY NEWS ANALYSIS

  • 13 August, 2022

  • 6 Min Read

African ‘orphan’ Crop

African ‘orphan’ Crop

Researchers recently discovered genes in the regional food crops of Africa that can increase drought tolerance.

About Orphan crops

  • Orphan crops are wholesome regional food crops that could be extremely important in the fight against hunger.
  • Although they are not traded worldwide, these crops have evolved to be able to flourish in inclement weather.

Crops

Orphan crops including African yam bean, jojoba, jatropha, and finger and small millet are frequently found across the continent.

Significance

Changing weather

  • It provides a remedy for growing worries that crop yield will be hampered by climate change.
  • It had discovered genes with minimal water requirements, higher salinity tolerance, and high-temperature tolerance that provided vital nourishment.

Increasing crop yield

  • These genes could be included to increase crop yield, which is impacted by heatwaves and rising global temperatures.

Combatting Heat Waves

  • The extended heat waves are anticipated to have an impact on nations like Pakistan and India.

Role of Africa

  • By 2050, it is predicted that Africa would contribute to supplying 25% of the world's population with food.

Source: FAO


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03 Dec,2025

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