Crop yields worldwide are not increasing quickly enough to support estimated global needs in 2050, according to a study published on Tuesday. The study, by a team of researchers from the University of Minnesota, was published in open access journal PLOS ONE.

The Minnesota researchers said global agricultural production may need to increase 60 percent to meet increasing demands and provide food security by the middle of the current century. However, following an assessment of agricultural statistics from across the world, the team, led by Dr Deepak Ray, found that yields of four key crops are increasing 0.9.6 percent each year, well below the necessary rate of improvement.

Production of maize, rice, wheat and soybean is likely to increase 38 percent by 2050, rather than the estimated requirement of 60 percent, Dr Ray said. The top three countries that produce rice and wheat were found to have very low rates of increase in crop yields.

"Particularly troubling are places where population and food production trajectories are at substantial odds," Ray said, "for example, in Guatemala, where the corn-dependent population is growing at the same time corn productivity is declining."

Ray et al's analysis mapped global regions where yield improvements are on track to double production by 2050 and areas where investments must be targeted to increase yields. The authors explained that boosting crop yields is considered a preferred solution to meet demands, rather than clearing more land for agriculture.

They added that additional strategies, such as reducing food waste and changing to plant-based diets, can also help reduce the large estimates for increased global demand for food.

"Clearly, the world faces a looming agricultural crisis, with yield increases insufficient to keep up with projected demands," said co-author Jon Foley. "The good news is opportunities exist to increase production through more efficient use of current arable lands and increased yield growth rates by spreading best management practices. If we are to boost production in these key crops to meet projected needs, we have no time to waste."