Photo by Boris Dunand on Unsplash
(Photo : Boris Dunand on Unsplash)

Spanning a fairly sizable 196.9 million square miles of surface area, it would be an understatement to point out that the planet Earth itself is a fairly large place. But, as it stands, there are currently 7.75 billion people in the world - and that number is projected to exceed 8 billion by the end of 2022. This means, of course, that while the size of the planet itself hasn't changed, it can and will start to feel considerably smaller with each passing day as we start to encroach more upon our neighbors.

Because of this, it's of the utmost importance to help ensure that every mouth is fed and nobody ever goes hungry. While many of the complexities surrounding this issue are more focused on distribution rather than a lack of comestible resources itself, it doesn't change the fact that ramping up the production of nutritious and sustainable food is of the utmost importance. And no doubt, this means that productive agriculture is going to play a major role in this responsibility.

Focus On More Sustainable Farming

One of the most essential ways that society can work together to increase the global food supply is through more sustainable agriculture. This can take a multipronged approach, but utilizing several methods can help ensure a more bountiful output. One technique to increase yield is through switching to organic farming. This can help preserve soil and prevent so-called "superweeds" from growing. Monocropping, which involves repeatedly planting the same crops year after year, is also another option.

In addition to more sustainable farming techniques, large-scale operations can also reconsider their approach to fertilizer. In the past, using animal byproducts was generally recognized as the most viable option. As the demand for food generation changes, however, so should the types of fertilizer that we use. Fertilizer manufacturers can turn their focus toward creating more effective and environmentally sound types, and using mixing software can help them carefully generate the perfect cocktail of crop-friendly ingredients.

Reduce Unnecessary Food Waste

Sadly, a staggering 108 billion pounds of food waste is generated each year in the United States. This amounts to the equivalent of 130 billion meals that aren't being consumed, and reports suggest that nearly 40 percent of all food in the county is eventually thrown away. When the gravity of this implication is heavily considered, it can certainly seem quite pessimistic. That said, finding ways to reduce this unnecessary waste can make a considerable difference in making sure resources meet the current demand.

Fortunately, curtailing this food waste doesn't have to be a herculean effort, and employing methods to minimize it is fairly straightforward. For instance, buying only what one needs can help reduce waste, rather than stocking up on an excessive amount of produce and letting it become moldy. Other ways people can minimize their waste is by getting creative with leftovers (yesterday's entree can become today's casserole) and embracing the less-than-attractive offerings at the store so they don't eventually become discarded.

Explore Unconventional Techniques

When most people think of farming, they may initially imagine those vast, sprawling fields full of bountiful crops and gently swaying ears of corn. What they may not think of, however, is the miniature garden perched on somebody's window box, the hydroponic setup tucked away in a two-car garage, or the fully developed farm resting on the rooftop of some urban highrise. While these various systems might not seem like viable options, they're actually highly useful alternatives that can change the landscape of agriculture.

Exploring and embracing these options can make a significant difference in how we approach our global food supplies. Out are the days of Steinbeck and the Salinas Valley and in are the techniques that empower everyday people to take their food supplies into their own hands. This doesn't mean that conventional farms are no longer necessary or they're on their way out, though; rather, it's important to view this as a supplement to existing methodologies. By taking a more inclusive approach to farming, we can help ensure that ample food is generated.

Ultimately, finding ways to increase the global food supply isn't a burden that is reserved exclusively for the farmers and agricultural companies of the world. It's a responsibility that we should all shoulder, and improving the conditions on the planet requires a collective effort from everyone. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to maximizing crop yield, implementing these various techniques does show promise in helping to make sure that all eight billion of us do receive the sustenance that we both need and deserve.