What agricultural practice resulted in a significant increase in crop production during the 20th century?

The Green Revolution was a significant agricultural practice that led to a dramatic increase in crop production during the 20th century. This movement, which began in the 1940s and continued into the 1960s and beyond, involved the use of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of staple crops, particularly grains such as wheat and rice. It also included the adoption of modern agricultural techniques such as the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation methods.

The introduction of these innovations allowed farmers to produce much more food on the same amount of land, effectively meeting the growing global demand for food as populations increased. The higher productivity helped to alleviate hunger in many developing countries and significantly improved food security. Furthermore, these advancements in agricultural practices were supported by research and development from institutions, which contributed to the dissemination of improved crop varieties and methods.

While other options like organic farming, hydroponics, and sustainable agriculture play important roles in contemporary agricultural practices, their impacts on production during the 20th century do not compare to the transformative effects of the Green Revolution on global agriculture and food supply.