OVERCOMING WORLD HUNGER

Abstract

This book is edited by Clifford M. Hardin, United States Secretary of Agriculture. Its four chapters were originally designed as background material for partakers in the 34th American Assembly which met late in 1968. The hope is held out that world famine is not inevitable, and that the world's inhabitants of the coming century can be fed, perhaps even better than any previous generation. The emphasis is on population control and increased food production. Future food needs up to the year 2000 are estimated. Adjusting the proportions of the dietary mix can greatly extend food supplies. Example: Seven times as many people can be fed on crops consumed directly as on crops converted to meat, milk, and eggs. Recent advances in agricultural technology are described-the fruitage of years of technological and educational aid rendered by various foundations, agencies of the United States government, other national agencies, and the United Nations. The need is expressed for the use of new high-yield grains (rice, wheat, corn), extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides, improved methods of farming, and for more modern agricultural scientists with practical experience to educate youth of the developing countries in sound agricultural practices. Policies and programs for limiting population growth and increasing food supplies are discussed, along with the part the United States should play in providing such assistance. The book has an index but no bibliography. MERVYN G. HARDINGE