Understanding the Value of Agricultural Innovation and Technology

Rao brings insights on agricultural research and development to Texas A&M’s Department of Agricultural Economics

PUBLISHED ON August 27, 2023

Agricultural innovation and technology

Xudong Rao, Ph.D., a thought leader in agricultural innovation, productivity, and efficiency, has joined the Department of Agricultural Economics in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. His focus will be on agricultural innovation and technology and their role in agricultural productivity.

Expertise in sustainable development

Rao has extensive experience in conducting research on innovation and technology adoption in agriculture. He has also developed novel methods for evaluating their economic impact. His expertise extends into the areas of risk and financial management for farms and agribusinesses, international agricultural development, and food and agricultural policy.

Recognition in the field

According to Rudy Nayga, Ph.D., head of the Department of Agricultural Economics and current president of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, Rao is a thought leader in the economics of agricultural innovation, productivity, and efficiency. His scholarly works have been published in reputable agricultural and applied economics journals.

Collaboration and impact

Rao’s work will greatly benefit the Department of Agricultural Economics and Texas A&M AgriLife Research as he collaborates with scientists in various research and extension centers located throughout the state. His research focuses on the economic evaluation of agricultural research investments, providing evidence of their far-reaching impact and assisting in setting future policy priorities.

Global importance of agriculture

Rao recognizes the worldwide importance of agriculture and its impact on the welfare of individuals and families, as well as the availability of food supplies. He aims to contribute to the collective understanding of how agriculture can benefit from existing technologies and adapt to emerging technologies. His research also addresses the validation and quantification of investments in agricultural research and development for producers, consumers, and society.

Impressed by Texas A&M

Rao has always been impressed by Texas A&M University’s pursuit of excellence, commitment to serving the public, and support for its employees. He believes that Texas A&M is one of the best institutions in the world for agricultural research and is grateful for the opportunity to work with notable agricultural economists in the Department of Agricultural Economics.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding, and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
   • Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture
   • Indicator 2.4.2: Average income of small-scale food producers, by sex and indigenous status

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.
   • Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP
   • Indicator 9.5.2: Researchers (in full-time equivalent) per million inhabitants

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP
   • Indicator 12.2.2: Domestic material consumption, domestic material consumption per capita, and domestic material consumption per GDP

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article addresses or connects to the following SDGs:

– SDG 2: Zero Hunger

– SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

– SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

– Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.

– Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities in all countries.

– Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

– Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.

– Indicator 2.4.2: Average income of small-scale food producers, by sex and indigenous status.

– Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP.

– Indicator 9.5.2: Researchers (in full-time equivalent) per million inhabitants.

– Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.

– Indicator 12.2.2: Domestic material consumption, domestic material consumption per capita, and domestic material consumption per GDP.

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets by assessing the proportion of agricultural area under sustainable practices, the income of small-scale food producers, research and development expenditure, the number of researchers, material footprint, and domestic material consumption.

By tracking these indicators, policymakers and stakeholders can monitor the implementation and impact of agricultural innovation, technological advancements, and sustainable resource management practices.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators