In a world worried about looming food shortages triggered by the climate crisis, the collapse in rice prices \u2014 now approaching their lowest in 18 years \u2014 is evidence that interventions by governments and modern agricultural methods may save the day.<\/p>\n
The key is productivity: more food from fewer farmers.<\/p>\n
When we think about technological advances, what comes to mind are the internet, smartphones and now the arrival of artificial intelligence. But farming has enjoyed a dramatic and often overlooked productivity revolution: Over the last century, crop yields have exploded. Rice is a great example. In 1975, farmers around the world harvested an average of 2.4 metric tons per hectare; the yield improved to 3.8 tons by 2000, and today it\u2019s almost doubled to 4.7 tons.<\/p>\n
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The world \u2014 and Asia in particular \u2014 can do more to extend the productivity boom. \u2026 Advances in agricultural genetics, which can create plants that tolerate both less rainfall and flooding, should be encouraged, not banned. <\/p>\n
\u2026<\/p>\n
More productive farming ultimately means fewer farmers. And that\u2019s a good thing \u2014 Asia and Africa need more food, not more people working the land.<\/p>\n