From 2003 to 2019, the world’s cropland area saw an increase of 9%, with cropland Net Primary Production (NPP) also rising by 25%, according to recent studies. This surge was primarily the result of agricultural expansion in Africa and South America.
Cropland is defined as the land used for producing annual and perennial herbaceous crops for human consumption, biofuel, and forage, including hay. The definition excludes perennial woody crops, permanent pastures, and shifting cultivation. Herbaceous energy crops, which are perennials harvested annually, are also classified under this category.
The Concept of Cropland Net Primary Production
Net Primary Production (NPP) refers to the difference between the energy generated by autotrophs (organisms capable of producing their own food using light, water, carbon dioxide, or other chemicals), and their respiration. It is often equated to increments in biomass per unit of land surface and time. Respiration, a chemical reaction occurring in all living cells, releases energy from glucose.
Cropland Expansion: Key Highlights
The most significant cropland expansion was noted in Africa, where the rate of expansion saw a two-fold increase from 2004-2007 to 2016-2019. Within that period, natural vegetation conversion to cropland was highest in Africa, southeast Asia, and South America. Despite a 10% decrease in global per capita cropland area due to population growth, there was a 3.5% increase in per capita annual cropland NPP, signifying an intensified use of agricultural land.
Understanding the reasons behind Expansion
The expansion is attributed mainly to the global spike in food and energy requirements because of the continuous growth in the population. Between 2003 and 2019, the world’s population increased by 21%.
Problems Associated with Cropland Expansion
Cropland expansion is a significant cause of forest loss, thereby conflicting with Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15) that aims to halt deforestation and degradation of natural habitats. With 49% of the new cropland area replacing natural vegetation and tree covers, the sustainability goal of protecting terrestrial ecosystems is undermined.
This rapid expansion poses a serious threat to the planet’s ecological health by affecting biodiversity hotspots primarily in Central and South America, while cropland intensification threatens biodiversity especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, India, and China. Also, agricultural expansion leads to deforestation and fragmentation of forests.
Food and Agriculture Organization’s Estimations
As per the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), if current trends persist, by 2050, the world’s arable land will increase by approximately 70 million hectares. A majority of this new farmland will be in areas presently forested.
Agricultural Land Scenario in India
In 2018, 60.43% of the land in India was used for agriculture. This term refers to the share of land area that is arable, under permanent crops and pastures. According to the definition given by FAO, arable land is the land under temporary crops, temporary meadows for mowing or pasture, land under market or kitchen gardens, or temporarily fallow land.
The Way Forward: Sustainable Intensification
Adopting improved farming practices and technology could elevate agricultural productivity, decrease habitat loss, and safeguard wildlife. Sustainable intensification, a strategy focusing on boosting the yield from existing farmland using techniques like integrated crop management and advanced pest control, can help reduce the total land currently under cultivation if executed correctly.
For wildlife preservation, developing countries should enhance the productivity of existing land areas by promoting more sustainable farming practices.
