January 23, 2025 | 14:25 GMT +7

  • Click to copy
Wednesday- 17:08, 04/12/2024

Global food yields have grown steadily during last six decades

(VAN) Contrary to widespread concerns that global crop yields have stagnated in recent decades, a comprehensive study of worldwide food production finds yields have continued to grow at roughly the same rate since the 1960s.
A comprehensive study of worldwide food production finds yields have continued to grow at roughly the same rate since the 1960s. 

A comprehensive study of worldwide food production finds yields have continued to grow at roughly the same rate since the 1960s. 

John Baffes of the World Bank and Xiaoli Etienne of the University of Idaho, U.S., report these findings on November 27, 2024, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE.

Almost 10 billion people are expected to inhabit Earth by 2050, so agricultural production will become increasingly critical to feeding the growing population.

Over the past six decades, much of the growth in food production has stemmed from technological advances, including the widespread development and use of better crop varieties. But some studies have suggested that the growth in production has leveled off, raising concerns about future food availability, especially in the low- and middle-income countries with the highest population growth.

In the new study, the researchers developed standardized measures. "Utilizing a comprehensive caloric-based index of production and yield for 144 crops, covering 98% of global agricultural land and food output, this paper reveals that, on an aggregate level, global yield growth—a vital indicator of agricultural productivity—has not slowed over the past six decades," the authors say.

These measures could allow scientists and policymakers to compare agricultural productivity across different countries and regions. The researchers also found that any observed slowdown in specific crops, regions or countries has been offset by gains in others. "This steady growth equates to an annual increase of approximately 33 kilograms of wheat per hectare, highlighting continued productivity gains worldwide," they add.

While the study's findings are reassuring from a global food supply perspective, the researchers caution that sustainable food production and the affordability of food will continue to be challenges to global food security. They emphasize that these concerns are particularly relevant in the face of intensifying climate change and increased demand for food due to population and income growth.

H.D

(Phys.org)

Live pig prices on January 20, 2025: Prices remain stable

Live pig prices on January 20, 2025: Prices remain stable

(VAN) Live pig prices on January 20, 2025, continue to maintain stability. The price of live pigs is currently being traded at around VND 66,000 - 69,000 /kg.

Pepper prices on January 20, 2025: The market remains flat

Pepper prices on January 20, 2025: The market remains flat

(VAN) Pepper prices on January 20, 2025, domestically remain stable in most key growing regions, ranging between VND 145,000 and VND 146,000/kg.

Coffee prices on January 20, 2025: Continuing the upward trend

Coffee prices on January 20, 2025: Continuing the upward trend

(VAN) Coffee prices on January 20, 2025: Domestic coffee prices continue to rise, increasing by VND 300–700/kg and ranging from VND 119,300 to 120,500/kg.

EU poultry production and consumption set to rise

EU poultry production and consumption set to rise

(VAN) Consumers will continue to help boost EU poultry production over the next decade, regarding poultry meat as a healthy protein and a cheaper option than other meats.

Coffee prices on January 14, 2025: Domestic prices drop sharply

Coffee prices on January 14, 2025: Domestic prices drop sharply

(VAN) Coffee prices on January 14, 2025, show mixed fluctuations. The domestic coffee market has dropped sharply by VND 1,000, trading at VND 118,300 - 119,100/kg.

Rice prices on January 14, 2025: Rice continues to decline

Rice prices on January 14, 2025: Rice continues to decline

(VAN) Rice prices on January 14, 2025, continue to decline for rice products, while paddy prices remain unchanged. Vietnam's rice export prices hold steady.

Pepper prices on January 14, 2025: Few new fluctuations

Pepper prices on January 14, 2025: Few new fluctuations

(VAN) Pepper prices on January 14, 2025, slightly decreased in Dak Nong. Currently, domestic pepper prices are trading around VND 147,000 - VND 147,200/kg.

Read more