- According to a new report, Global agricultural productivity is not growing as fast as the demand for food, amid the impact of climate change.
- The report was released in conjunction with the World Food Prize Foundation’s annual conference.
Important points:
Findings:
- Total Factor Productivity (TFP) is growing at an annual rate of 1.36% (2020-2019).
- This is below the Global Agricultural Productivity Index that has set an annual target of 1.73% growth to sustainably meet the needs of consumers for food and bioenergy in 2050.
Significance of Productivity Growth:
- 36% of the world’s land is used for agriculture. Forests and biodiverse areas will be destroyed for planting or pasture.
- USD 2T in economic losses and 4 million deaths are attributed to diet-related diseases each year.
- 90% of the earth’s soils could be degraded by erosion by 2050.
- 37% of methane emissions from humans influenced activity come from cattle and other ruminants.
- 40% of irrigation water is lost due to inefficient irrigation.
- Water sources will be depleted, making prime agricultural land unusable.
Suggestions:
- Invest in agricultural research and development
- Embrace science-and-information-based technologies
- Improve infrastructure for transportation, information and finance
- Cultivate partnerships for sustainable agriculture, economic growth and improved nutrition
- Expand and improve local, regional and global trade
- Reduce post-harvest loss and food waste
SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT