Description:
Chapter 1. Food systems in Sri Lanka: components, evolution, challenges and opportunities -- Chapter 2. Nutrition transition in Sri Lanka: a meta-analysis of the nutrition profile -- Chapter 3. Cascaded tank-village system: present status and prospects -- Chapter 4. Soil survey, classification and mapping in Sri Lanka – past, present and future -- Chapter 5. Milestones in the history of rice improvement in Sri Lanka -- Chapter 6. Vegetable breeding in Sri Lanka in retrospect -- Chapter 7. Genetic improvement for sustainability of coconut production: the Sri Lankan experience -- Chapter 8. Breaking the mould: pave the way for future cereals -- Chapter 9. Recent developments in vegetable production technologies in Sri Lanka -- Chapter 10. Input intensification in food crops production and food security -- Chapter 11. A cross section of century-long experiences in entomological research in crop sectors: directions for future research -- Chapter 12. Animal feed production in Sri Lanka: past present and future -- Chapter 13. Livestock and poultry to assure sustainability in the food system -- Chapter 14. Fisheries sector contribution for sustainable food system: past, present and future -- Chapter 15. Evolution of agricultural extension system in Sri Lanka -- Chapter 16. Performance and potential of agricultural insurance: global and Sri Lankan perspectives -- Chapter 17. Agricultural research for sustainable food systems – recommendations with special reference to Sri Lanka.
A food system comprises the entire range of actors and interlinked activities related to food production, processing, distribution, marketing and trade, preparation, consumption, and disposal. When a food system operates without compromising the needs of future generations, it is considered to be a “Sustainable Food System.” The present-day food systems in Sri Lanka are diverse, and the natural and physical environment, infrastructure, institutions, society and culture, and policies and regulations within which the food systems operate, as well as the technologies employed, have shaped their outcomes. Agricultural research is a key factor in terms of innovation and technological advances. Innovation has been the main driver of food systems’ transformation over the past few decades and will be critical to addressing the needs of a rapidly growing population in a context of climate change and scarcity of natural resources. In addition, agricultural research must help meet the rising demand for food at affordable prices. Comprising 17 chapters written by specialist(s) in their respective subject-areas, this Contributed Volume on “Agricultural Research for Sustainable Food Systems in Sri Lanka: A Historical Perspective” shares the scientific knowledge accumulated by the National Agricultural Research System of Sri Lanka, including universities, and offers recommendations on how to make food systems more sustainable in order to address the current needs of Sri Lankan society. It presents perspectives on four key thematic areas, namely: (i) Crop and animal production, management, and improvement, (ii) Agro-product processing technologies, (iii) Natural resource management, and (iv) Socio-economic development and agri-business management.