According to Stastista, in the marketing year 2023/24, 785 million tons of wheat were produced globally.
This was slightly down from the 789 million tons produced the year prior, but up on the five-year average of around 777 million tons. Despite this, it is expected that wheat exports will exceed those of 2022/23 and will reach 216 million tons in 2023/24.
The world's biggest producer of wheat in 2023/24 was China at 136,6 million tons. For comparison, South Africa produced around 2,1 million tons of wheat in the 2023/24 marketing year.
Wheat is a very important global commodity and is used to produce staple foods like bread and pasta. As such, it provides a significant portion of the world's calories and nutrients.
Its adaptability to different climates and soils allows it to be grown globally, making it relatively accessible to everyone in the world. As wheat can be stored for long periods of time, it is also a reliable food source during times of drought or scarcity.
Wheat has played an essential role in the development of agriculture and has remained a dietary cornerstone throughout history.
NEW KIND OF AGRICULTURE
A recent major study has 'shed new light on an iconic event in our civilisation that created a new kind of agriculture and allowed humans to settle down and form societies'. This is according to Prof Brande Wulff, a wheat researcher at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia, and one of the lead authors of the study.
The study focused particularly on bread wheat, also known as common wheat (Triticum aestivum).
"The secret of bread wheat's success, according to the research by institutes that make up the Open Wild Wheat Consortium (OWWC), lies in the genetic diversity of a wild grass called Aegilops tauschii," the study explained.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.