DESA workshop on “Implementation of the 2030 Agenda: Enhancing capacity of developing countries to adopt sustainable agriculture through Juncao technology to alleviate poverty and promote productive employment”

Excellencies, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

 

Let me start  by thanking DESA and the organizers for inviting FAO to be part of this discussion today about the potentials of the Juncao technology and its contribution to sustainable agriculture and the implementation of Agenda 2030.

Let me start by recalling that there are over 2300 species of fungi in the world that contribute   significantly   to food security, nutrition and health globally. We have to admit however, that t most of them are underutilized species in many parts of the world.

Mushroom cultivation can improve livelihoods through economic gain, nutritional and medicinal contributions. Their nutritional index (essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals) are comparable to many vegetables.

Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin B, C and D and various minerals including magnesium, iron and copper. They provide carbohydrates, are low in fat and fibre and can also be a source of protein.

In recent years, mushroom production gained interest in developing countries as it can be produced in relatively small space, through use of substrates in containers or bags, requiring minimal infrastructure investment.

The product has also a growing market, with a potential of commanding higher price than other crops such as vegetables. Its short production cycle, as short as two months, is also an attractive characteristic for producers. Mushroom cultivation is also being seen as an income generating opportunity for entrepreneurs, especially rural women and youth.

With its nutritional values, and economic aspects  as above mentioned mushrooms and mushroom cultivation can contribute to achieving SDG 1 on poverty alleviation and SDG2 on eliminating hunger and malnutrition and impact positively on other related goals.

Juncao Technology developed by Prof. Lin Zhanxi on mushroom production is commendable. The use of juncao as substrate reduces the need of cutting down trees to make the substrate – logs or sawdust - in which traditional mushroom cultivation relied on. This is a step toward a more sustainable way of production, which is also a desperate need in our production systems today.

We would also like to commend the work that the China National Engineering Research Center of Juncao Technology has done in the recent years in sharing their experience and research results with other developing nations around the world.   

We are also aware that juncao technology can also be used for other purposes, such as animal feed. This is another area that is increasing globally, as animal product consumption is rising due to the population growth, estimated at 9 billion by 2015 and the change in diets habits because of the increase in income.

The potentials of juncao technology are therefore encouraging. In our view, it should be further tested in various climate conditions to see its adaptability to different environments, and their resilience towards climate change, which is another global concern. There is also further need to develop markets and consumer demand for mushrooms.

FAO is keen to learn more from the Professor and the Research Center about their research findings and their experience adapting the technology to different countries.

With regard the further dissemination and adoption of the technology, we also see a potential in South South Cooperation (SSC) that has been proving to be an excellent partnership modality for technology and knowledge sharing between developing countries. This could be considered in particular due to the strong engagement and commitment of the Chinese Government towards South South Cooperation in the field of sustainable agriculture and food security. FAO is in far front of this important cooperation.

Let me conclude by underlining that the success of the SDGs must be sown in resilient, inclusive and sustainable food and agriculture systems. Science and technology have an important role to play in accelerating the implementation of the SDGs and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Agenda by 2030.

 

Thank you.