Question

In developed countries, the most recent increases in agricultural productivity have come from

A.) new crop varieties and intensified farming.
B.) building up soil reserves on farms worldwide.
C.) irrigation in arid areas.
D.) clearing rainforests.
E.) an increase on the land being used for agriculture, especially in developed countries.

Answer 1

The most recent increases in agricultural productivity in developed countries have come from new crop varieties and intensified farming, including the Green Revolution and irrigation in arid areas.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most recent increases in agricultural productivity in developed countries have come from new crop varieties and intensified farming. This is known as the Green Revolution, which started in the 1940s and 1950s. It involved the development of high-response varieties of crops like wheat, rice, maize, and millet, as well as the expansion of irrigation and the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides.

In some arid areas, irrigation has also played a role in increasing agricultural productivity. By providing water to crops in areas with limited rainfall, farmers can grow more crops and achieve higher yields.

The options of building up soil reserves, clearing rainforests, and increasing land for agriculture are not the main sources of recent increases in agricultural productivity in developed countries.