In a world worried about looming food shortages triggered by the climate crisis, the collapse in rice prices — which recently approached their lowest in 18 years — is evidence that interventions by governments and modern agricultural methods may save the day.

The key is productivity: more foaod from fewer farmers.

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.