World's 75 Percent Poorest Reside In Rural Areas: Report

BANGALORE: Today, the world’s 75 percent poorest people are concentrated heavily in rural areas, revealed the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (Icrisat). Most of these rural masses are dependent on agriculture, and as such the best way to overcome poverty is to make farming profitable, reports Syed Akbar of The Times of India.

To curb poverty, hunger, malnutrition and environmental degradation, John Kerin AM, an ICRISAT Ambassador of Goodwill, contemplate on the need for science-based solutions for farming and agricultural related work.

Kerin said, "I'm very pleased to take on the role as an ICRISAT Ambassador of Goodwill, to help support their important work. I well-remember my visit to ICRISAT in India some years back. Not only does their research improve the lives of the poor, it is also helping farmers in Australia," reports TOI.

"We cannot be any prouder of all our Ambassadors of Goodwill, who include Mr Bill Gates and Prof MS Swaminathan," said Dr William Dar, ICRISAT Director-General.

"The drylands are also the producers of the new Smart Foods - foods that are not only good for you but also good for the environment because of their low usage of water and other inputs, as well as being lifesavers for the rural poor who have few other options. Crops like millets are less known but are hailed to be the next quinoa and the new Smart Food," he continued.

"Through our Ambassadors, we can further spread the word on crops like millets and legumes that have triple benefits of being highly nutritious, good for the planet, and play an important role in overcoming poverty and malnutrition in poor areas," ICRISAT Director-General added.

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