@article{oai:nagoya.repo.nii.ac.jp:00007242, author = {PARDALES, Jr. Jose R. and YAMAUCHI, Akira and QUEVEDO, M.A. and KADOHIRA, Mitsuyo}, journal = {農学国際協力}, month = {Jul}, note = {The objective of this paper is twofold: first, to introduce the group of starchy underground storage organ-producing crops known as root and tuber crops or simply rootcrops, whose importance and prospects are not yet fully understood; and second, to pose a challenge to all concerned in the global agricultural science community, particularly those from the Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences of Nagoya University, to give attention to research on these crops in order to contribute fully in securing food supply for scores of millions of people the world over. Suggestions are, likewise presented on how the concerned scientists and experts could respond to the call for action, as well as, the essential changes that need to be in place in order for them to have relevant contributions in increasing regional and global food supply. Generally, the world food situation is abating and the picture for Asia is not different. Agricultural science education failed to bolster sustainable agriculture and food security measures because it could not respond well to the needs and expectations of the farmers since it either lagged behind in the developing countries or it advanced too much in the developed ones. A number of physical factors, however, contribute to this food supply shortfall. One of these is the continuing reduction in the supply of water in many areas of the world. Rootcrops grow and produce economic yield where other crops may fail; hence these crops are expected to play a key role in reducing hunger and poverty. The task to increase and sustain rootcrop production is rather a tall order. There are simply a lot of things to consider and many main and sub research avenues to be attended to. Involvement of as many players as possible is therefore required, and participatory research or collaborative undertaking is seen as the best possible approach at the moment. Scientists and researchers in the developed countries like Japan are looked up to engage in this concerted activity. However, certain adjustments have to be instituted so that relevant interventions could be extended from their end. Foremost of this is a paradigm shift to be followed by changes in outlook and approaches in the way research is conceptualized and undertaken, giving way for some freedom and flexibility.}, pages = {17--28}, title = {Rootcrops as Food, Feed and Industrial Materials : The Challenge to Address Their Production and Post-harvest Needs}, volume = {4}, year = {2004} }