ABSTRACT
On a global scale, agriculture was very successful in meeting a growing demand for food during the latter half of the 20th century. Yields per hectare of staple crops such as wheat and rice increased dramatically, food prices declined, the rate of increase in food production generally exceeded the rate of population growth, and chronic hunger diminished. This boost in food production was due mainly to scientific advances and technological innovations, including the development of new plant varieties, the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and the growth of extensive infrastructure for irrigation.
