798 



In contrast with the more optimistic assumptions of FAO are the 

 views of Paul and Anne Ehrhch, and J. H. Ryther. These authors 

 contend that to obtain more than 100 million metric tons of fish would 

 ro(iuire the harvesting of plankton, which they judge infeasible in the 

 foreseeable future, if ever. Ryther, a marine biologist, points out that 

 in many areas, one-fourth to one-half of fish production is taken from 

 estuaries, many of which are being rendered unproductive through 

 pollution." 



Quantitatively, cereal grains still remain the most important source 

 of protein for the developing countries. Every 100 million tons of 

 ■cereals generally provide 8 to 10 million tons of protein. Since current 

 ■world protein production is estimated at 85 million tons, it is evident 

 that cereals can make an important contribution to tlie world's protein 

 needs. The FAO has set a target of 112 million tons of protein as the 

 world's requirement by 1975, so that a gap of 27 million tons needs to 

 be closed in five years. 



Achievement of the FAO target seems likely to require intensive 

 utilization of all traditional protein sources, and more vifi^orous 

 exploitation of new ones. It should be noted that there is also the 

 possibility of genetic manipulation of crop varieties to improve plant 

 sources of protein. Just as new strains have been developed to increase 

 ov(M-all productivity, so is the augmentation of protein content be- 

 lieved amenable to the genetic approach. 



The same general problems that ol)struct increased food production 

 also stand in the way of eliminating the protein shortage. The loss of 

 protein foods to pests must be curbed, and improved storage and mar- 

 keting facilities must be developed. These, in turn, require ongoing ' 

 programs of research and training in agricultural science and tech- 

 nology, food processing, and nutrition. 



Vitamin Deficiencies and Corrective Measures 



Although less dramatic than the protein shortage, the existence of 

 vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the diet patterns of the third worid 

 cannot be ignored. The intake of certain vitamins is directly related 

 to caloric intake, and is vital to energy metabolism. Moreover, all vita- 

 mins are associated with health and human productivity. 



THIAMINE 



For example, thiamine, which is important in the prevention of beri- 

 beri, is found principally in cereal grains, as far as the diet of people 

 in the LDCs is concerned. Its content can be reduced by processing or 

 cooking ; hence, from a nutritional standpoint, it is important to con- 

 sider methods of conserving it or of enriching food with it. All wheat 

 flour shipped from the United States imder the foreign donation pro-, 

 gram is now enriched with thiamine, among other elements. Because' ■ 

 of the direct relationship between calorie and thiamine requirements, 

 the projected thiamine need for the next 15 years will be of the same 

 magnitude as that for calories. 



"Paul R. and Anne H. EHirllch. "The Food Prom the Sea Mytfe" Saturday Review 

 (April 4, 1970), pages 68, 64. 



