Status and outlook of global food security and the role of underutilized food resources: Sago palm

Abstract

The United Nations (FAO) projected that global food production needs to be increased by 60% by 2050 to meet increasing world demands as a result of rapid population growth and per capita food consumption increase. However, there is a very little room to expand agricultural land, while water scarcity is threatening future agricultural production potential. Under the circumstances, it is predicted that nearly 90% of the food production increase should come from existing arable land through yield increase and advancement of agricultural research and innovation. On the other hand, the world is facing other serious challenges and uncertainties resulting from the stagnation of productivity growth of major cereal crops, advancement of negative impacts of climate change, and competition on the use of agricultural land and water with bioenergy crops. It is uncertain if and whether the world can meet the challenging target by 2050. Otherwise, the world food security, peace, and stability would be seriously threatened. The situation sparked scientific interest in identifying alternative food resources, which can be grown on underutilized lands without or with less competition with existing food crops, tolerant to stress environmental conditions, and produce a substantial quantity of food or starch. FAO recognized that neglected and underutilized species play a crucial role in the fight against hunger and are a key resource for agriculture and rural development for the benefit of smallholder farmers. In addition, many neglected and underutilized species play a role in keeping cultural diversity alive. They occupy important niches, conserving traditional landscape, adapted to the risky and fragile conditions of rural communities. Against this backdrop, sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) was identified as one of the most promising typical underutilized food crops with very little attention and research in the past. It can be grown in underutilized wetlands and peat swamps where other food crops cannot grow economically. It produces a high yield of edible starch (about 150-300 kg of dry starch per plant), while different parts of the palm tree can be utilized as roofing materials, animal feeds, sago worm production, mat and basket weaving, etc., which would contribute to promoting national and household food security and enhancing family income and employment generation at rural villages.