Extreme weather conditions such as prolonged droughts and above average temperatures are jeopardizing our ability to meet our food needs.
The crops on which we rely most in the world are rice, wheat and corn, used for many purposes, first of which is to feed human beings. But cultivating only three types of crops extensively has led to an impoverishment of biodiversity and a greater exposure to diseases and parasites for these plants. Furthermore, their water requirement is quite high and relying only on these plants becomes counterproductive.
By imagining a new type of agriculture that can withstand climate change and reduce its progress, 5 extremely resistant grasses native to South America, West and South Africa can come to our aid.
Let’s discover these mind-blowing strains.

1. Amaranth
It is an amazing plant for several reasons. Famous for having survived among Aztec, Inca and Mayan farmers despite the prohibitions of the colonizers, it is also widespread in Africa and throughout Asia. Amaranth is an entirely edible plant, including the seeds. This is why it is a widely used ingredient in various culinary traditions. It has excellent nutritional values, contains iron, proteins and phenolic acids. It is extremely drought tolerant, and therefore can help save water and generally better tolerate dry periods that could intensify in the coming years.

2. Fonio.
It is a very ancient type of wheat originally from West Africa, naturally gluten-free and with a low glycemic index; it is extremely resistant to droughts both because it needs little water and because the very deep roots help the soil retain water, fighting soil erosion. His latest superpower is being able to provide up to three crops a year, also going to make up for the problems associated with famine.

3. Cowpea.
It is a very old plant and has been cultivated in West Africa for centuries. Today, unfortunately, it is less appreciated, but Nigeria remains the nation that produces the most in the world. Resistant to drought, it has the advantage of being entirely edible: even the pods and leaves can be cooked and eaten. The pods are an excellent source of protein.

4. Taro.
It is a vegetable native to South-East Asia that can be cooked exactly like a potato but compared to it, Taro has decidedly superior nutritional values: up to three times the quantity of fibres, low glycemic index, Vitamins E and B. Even the its large leaves are edible and are often stewed.

5. Kernza.
It’s not exactly an ancient crop, but it was specially selected to respond to the hostile climate created by climate change. It is similar to wheat, but has very different properties that make it unique: it is a perennial crop, which means it doesn’t have to be replanted every year like wheat. Furthermore, very deep roots are able to avoid soil erosion by retaining water longer. They have the ability to absorb and store CO2 underground, so as to prevent it from being dispersed into the atmosphere. For now it is only grown in some states of the USA and the first tests are very promising.

A more sustainable agriculture is possible. Discover our green mission here https://sunnyfarm.it/our-mission/

  Campaign financed according to EU REG. NO. 1308/2013