Global Cropland Expansion

Context: As per recently published paper, cropland area across the world increased 9% and cropland Net Primary Production (NPP) by 25% from 2003-2019.

• The growth was primarily due to agricultural expansion in Africa and South America.

About Cropland 

• It is defined as land used for annual and perennial herbaceous crops for human consumption, forage (including hay) and biofuel.
• Perennial woody crops, permanent pastures and shifting cultivation are excluded from the definition.
• The cropland expansion is often explained as a direct consequence of the global increase in food and energy requirements due to continuing population growth.

Key highlights of the Study

• Cropland area across the world increased by 9 per cent and cropland net primary production (NPP) by 25 per cent from 2003-2019.
• The largest cropland expansion (34 per cent) was observed in Africa.
• Global per capita cropland area decreased by 10 per cent.

Impact of Cropland Expansion
Positive Impacts

• Cropland expansion results in additional global crop production and thereby satisfies the need of the global population.

Negative Impacts

• Cropland expansion is the major cause of global biodiversity loss through the loss and fragmentation of natural habitat.
• It is a major factor in forest loss, which comes in conflict with Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15)
• It poses major threats to many common as well as IUCN red-listed species.
• Acceleration of cropland expansion has resulted in a significant negative impact to tropical rainforests, leading to deforestation and changes to watershed hydrology and water balance.
• Land-use intensification threatens multiple taxon of primarily farmland species due to habitat homogenization, irrigation and high inputs of agro-chemicals.

Road Ahead

• Better farming practices and technology can increase agricultural productivity while reducing habitat loss and protecting wildlife. This approach, known as “sustainable intensification,” aims to boost the output of existing farmland using techniques such as integrated crop management and advanced pest control.