Importance of Staple Crops
Staple crops, which make up foods eaten regularly as the main part of a diet, provide critical energy and nutrients to the world's people. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, crops such as rice, maize (corn) and wheat contribute significantly to the world's food supplies. Without such essential crops, widespread hunger would be more commonplace. Does this Spark an idea?
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Significance
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Rice is a vital staple crop. Staple crops are critical to the health and welfare of every country. According to FAQS.org, for instance, Asian countries rely on rice--a major worldwide staple crop--to avoid the devastating effects of famine. The Kew Royal Botanic Gardens reports that many people in tropical countries depend on root and tuber crops such as yams, taro, cassava and sweet potato to provide most of their energy-giving carbohydrates. In temperate areas, the potato is a significant source of such carbohydrates.
Types
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Corn is a key food source. We know of more than 50,000 edible plant species in the world, but only a few hundred make up a significant part of the food supply. About 15 crop plants contribute to 90 percent of the world's main food intake. Top staple crops include rice, which feeds over half of humanity, maize (corn), wheat, sorghum, millet and roots and tubers such as potato, cassava, yam and taro.
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History
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Potatoes have fed the world for centuries. One of the most important staple crops, the white potato, is often called the "Irish potato" because that particular tuber was associated with the potato famine that occurred in 19th Century Ireland. A blight wiped out the country's potato crop, causing widespread starvation.
Benefits
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Farmers plant staple crops because they are in high demand and well adapted to the growing conditions in their regions. Such crops are often resistant to drought and pests and tolerate low-nutrient soils.
Features
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Staple crops are used in a variety of ways. In Asian societies, for example, in addition to being a key part of each meal, rice goes into candy and cakes and is fermented to make wine (sake) and beer.
Potential
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Lesser-known staple crops like quinoa are gaining in popularity. Nutrition experts have started to recognize certain minor staple crops for their health benefits. Cassava, for instance, is now seen as an important, healthful crop that feeds millions of people. Quinoa, a grain grown in the Andes, is also getting more attention.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit wheat field image by Soja Andrzej from Fotolia.com rice field image by Xavier MARCHANT from Fotolia.com In the corn field image by jhogan from Fotolia.com potato image by Adkok from Fotolia.com Quinoa image by bbroianigo from Fotolia.com
