Global Crop Yields Have Grown Steadily in the Last Six Decades

A comprehensive study conducted by the World Bank and the University of Idaho reveals that crop yields have continued to grow at roughly the same rate since the 1960s, contrary to the belief that it has stagnated in recent years.

In the study, published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, the researchers developed standardized measures to determine the production and yield of 144 crops, covering 98 percent of global agricultural land. These measures allow scientists and policymakers to compare agricultural productivity across different countries and regions.

The researchers found that there has been no discernable slowdown in the global growth of crop yields during the last six decades. They also noted that any observed slowdown in specific crops, regions or countries has been offset by gains in others. Their findings show that yields grew annually at a rate equivalent to about 33 kg of wheat per hectare.

The researchers also caution that sustainable food production and affordability 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.

For more details, read the paper in PLOS ONE.