What is the Largest Agricultural Crop in the Early 21st Century?
The landscape of global agriculture has evolved significantly in the early 21st century. Understanding the largest agricultural crops involves looking at key metrics such as harvested area, harvested tonnage, and their importance to the largest number of people. This article delves into the statistics provided by FAOSTAT, revealing that wheat and maize corn stand out as prominent players in the global agricultural market.
Harvested Area
When considering the harvested area, wheat emerges as the largest agricultural crop of the 21st century so far. According to data from FAOSTAT, in 2009 alone, the harvested area for wheat was recorded at 225,622,452 hectares. This is followed closely by maize corn, with an area of 158,628,747 hectares, and rice, harvesting an area of 158,300,068 hectares. These numbers have remained relatively stable over the preceding years of the 21st century, with occasional shifts in rankings between maize and rice.
Harvested Tonnage
When measured in terms of harvested tonnage, maize corn takes the lead. In 2009, the harvested tonnage of maize corn was 818,823,434 tonnes, surpassing wheat at 685,614,399 tonnes and rice at 685,240,469 tonnes. Similar to the harvested area data, the ranking in harvested tonnage tends to see maize corn leading, with wheat and rice often exchanging positions.
Human Importance
From a human perspective, the crop with the highest importance is unquestionably rice. Providing approximately one fifth of all calories consumed by the human species, rice serves as a critical staple for many populations. Wheat and maize corn come in second and third, but their significance in terms of human importance is also significant.
Rice's Critical Role
Rice's crucial role in global nutrition cannot be overstated. It is a staple food in many parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, providing a reliable source of nourishment for billions. Any significant reduction in rice production could lead to humanitarian crises, emphasizing its irreplaceable position in the global food supply chain.
Maize Corn's Expanding Role
Maize corn has seen remarkable growth during the 20th century and continues to play a critical role in the 21st century. Beyond being a staple food, maize corn serves as a significant feed source for livestock and is used as a raw material for producing biofuels and sweeteners. This multipurpose utility is a key factor in its large harvested tonnage and extensive use in agriculture and beyond.
The Triad of Cereal Crops
A less well-sourced, yet significant, ranking of the three most important cereal crops is rice, wheat, and maize corn. These three crops form the backbone of global agriculture, providing both basic sustenance and economic security to millions of people worldwide.
Conclusion
Whether measured by harvested area or tonnage, or their importance to billions of people, wheat and maize corn stand out as the largest agricultural crops in the early 21st century. These crops highlight the interconnectedness of global food security and the critical role that agriculture plays in supporting human life. Understanding these trends is crucial for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders involved in agricultural practices and food systems.
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