Editor,

RE: "Disappearing traditional crops pose threat to food security, experts warn” (The New Times, September 24). During race of green revolution, major focus was concentrated on yield only which led to whole crop improvement programme towards unidirectional crop varietal evolution which were based on few parental lines which narrow down genetic diversity.

The challenge here was to feed a fast growing population. This not only covers the main cultivated area while expended those lands which were centre of origin and consisting different subspecies and wild relatives; these were also removed from this local area.

On the other hand, this unidirectional yield oriented crop evolution led to the development of new varieties which were to lose their qualities and beneficial elements – the test and flavour also diminished during this process.

Now first green evolution reached its peak and seeking second green revolution to convey this race. What is needed here is to divert this unidirectional crop evolution in different dimensions.

Avinash Chandra Pandey