A new study says that productivity is not rising fast enough to meet the likely demands on agriculture by 2050. Four key staple crops – maize, rice, wheat and soybeans – were studied; other factors, such as climate change, were not taken into account. Fertile agricultural land is at a premium in most countries, and overuse, water scarcity and soil degradation are taking further tolls. The researchers concluded that, in addition to increasing crop yields, increasing efficiency and decreasing waste are critical to improving the world’s food supply.
According to co-author Jon Foley, “Clearly, the world faces a looming agricultural crisis, with yield increases insufficient to keep up with projected demands. The good news is, opportunities exist to increase production through more efficient use of current arable lands and increased yield growth rates by spreading best management practices.”
Read the full article from The Guardian.
