Rapid population growth and poor soil quality have meant that millions of people across the world struggle suffer from hunger. In light of these damning statistics, World Food Day, which takes place on 16 November, is seeking to promote awareness and action for the need to ensure food security and nutritious diets for all

Governments and corporations are increasingly looking towards technology to provide a solution, with drones considered vital for the future of sustainable farming. So far, systems are being used to scan the condition of crops in order to allow for the targeted use of crop treatments. Drones can scan thousands of acres in a matter of hours, detecting weeks and pests earlier so farmers can quickly take corrective action.

The UK is leading the way in this global food revolution. For instance, Hands Free Hectare, a team of Engineers from Harper Adams University, have forged new ground by farming exclusively with unmanned systems. Their use of autonomous machinery is an agricultural first and its success has the potential to transform global food production by opening up fertile land in previously inaccessible areas.  

Drone Major Group, who are supporting drone adoption across the agricultural sector, seeks to connect the key players within the global drone revolution, from private operators to manufacturers and everything in between. Central to the business is Drone Major, a portal which facilitates such industry connectivity. Agricultural drone manufactures make up a significant proportion of the key players engaged with the platform including QUESTUAV whose Q200 PPK drone has transformed the surveying of crops through 3D imagery.

The Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Board of Directors has approved US$50mn in additional financing to help boost agricultural productivity and improve smallholder farmers' access to markets in 271 communes in Tonle Sap Basin, which is prone to natural disaster

The feed additives specialist Nutriad has sponsored the first MycoKey International Conference that took place in Ghent, Belgium ifrom 11-14 Septemebr 2017, addressing mycotoxin contamination along the food and feed chain

A stronger global effort, including larger investments and improved surveillance measures, is required to ensure responsible use of antimicrobials so that they do not threaten public health and food production, as stated by FAO at a UN General Assembly side event on antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Far Eastern Agriculture has exclusively interviewed Ms Xiangjun Yao, Regional Programme Leader, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, to discuss the FAO's aims across Asia