Bananas Becoming a Critically Important Food

A new report says climate change could lead to bananas becoming a critically important food for millions of the world's inhabitants. 

The report, which is the result of research carried out by CGIAR agricultural partnership, says that, in the event of certain climate change models becoming reality, bananas may replace potatoes in some developiong nations. 

Cassava and cowpea would also play an increasingly important role if temperatures continue to rise. 

The report predicts that the world's three biggest crops (in terms of calorie provision) will decrease in developing countries and that the potato, which flourishes in cooler climates, will also suffer decline in cultivation. 

The authors argue that these changes "could provide an opening for cultivating certain varieties of bananas" at higher altitudes, even in those places that currently grow potatoes.

Dr Philip Thornton, who is one of the authors, says that, whilst bananas have limitations, they may prove to be a potato substitute in some areas.

"It's not necessarily a silver bullet but there may be places where as temperatures increase, bananas might be one option that small holders could start to look at."
Cassava Cassava could help meet food needs in South Asia

The challenge, as the report sees it, will be in persuading consumers to switch diets and growers to adapt.

Source: bbc.co.uk/news

In Memory of her Luna

To my friend Martha in Memory of Lunie

NO CHARGE FOR LOVE 

A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell.

He painted a sign advertising the 4 pups.

And set about nailing it to a post on the

edge of his yard. As he was driving the

last nail into the post,he felt a tug on

his overalls. He looked down into the

eyes of a little boy. "Mister," he said,

"I want to buy one of your puppies."

"Well," said the farmer, as he rubbed the

sweat of the back of ! his neck,

"These puppies come from fine parents and

cost a good deal of money."

The boy dropped his head for a moment.

Then reaching deep into his pocket,

he pulled out a handful of change and held

it up to the farmer. "I've got thirty-nine

cents. Is that enough to take a look?"

"Sure," said the farmer, and with that he

let out a whistle. Here, Dolly!" he called.

Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran

Dolly followed by four little balls of fur.

The little boy pressed his face against the

chain link fence. His eyes danced with

delight. As the dogs made their way to the

fence,the little boy noticed something else

stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another

little ball appeared, this one noticeably

smaller. Down the ramp it slid. Then in a

somewhat awkward manner, the little pup

began hobbling toward the others,doing its

best to catch up.... "I want that one,"

the little boy said, pointing to the runt.

The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and

said, "Son, you don't want that puppy.

He will never be able to run and play with

you like these other dogs would. " With that

the little boy stepped back from the fence,

reached down, and began rolling up one leg

f his trousers. In doing so he revealed a

steel brace running down both sides

of his leg attaching itself to a specially

made shoe. Looking back up at the farmer,

he said, "You see sir, I don't run too well

myself, and he will need someone who

understands. " With tears in his eyes,

the farmer reached down and picked

up the little pup. Holding it carefully

he handed it to the little boy.

"How much?" asked the little boy.

"No charge," answered the farmer,

"There's no charge for love." 

--- Author Unknown --- 

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Lunie's Story