Wheat Production Trends and Research Priorities: A Global Perspective

Wheat was one of the first domesticated food crops and, for 8000 years, has been the main food of major civilizations in Europe, West Asia, and North Africa. This situation is likely because of wheat’s agronomic adaptability, ease of grain storage, and ease of converting grain into flour for food making. Wheat occupies a central place in human nutrition, providing 20% of the daily protein and food calories. In terms of food security, it is the second most important food crop in the developing world after rice. Wheat (Triticum spp.) is a strategic crop that plays a vital role in food security and nutrition worldwide. This plant is under the threat of global climate change. Especially, this phenomenon has made a deep impact on the poorest or low-income region(s) or country(ies). However, its production faces several biotic and abiotic stress factors, such as climate change, diseases, and pests, which can affect its quality and quantity. To address these challenges, agricultural research prioritizes the development of more climate-resilient, high-yielding, and superior-quality wheat varieties, as well as the utilization of advanced agricultural technologies and techniques, such as drones, satellite-connected tractors, ultraviolet (UV) light, bioinformatics, and computer usage. These practices and applications can help increase wheat production, improve yields, and ensure food security. Moreover, data collection and analysis, soil analysis, and the widespread adoption of plant protection measures can also prove to be beneficial in this regard. Research priorities for wheat production include combating climate change, developing more stress-tolerant varieties, utilizing technologies to increase yield levels, and exploring new agricultural techniques and tools. Additionally, efforts are being made to develop new marketing methods to increase wheat consumption. Furthermore, the challenges faced in wheat production are similar to those encountered by many farmers worldwide, making research on wheat cultivation applicable to the entire agricultural sector. Improving the sustainability of wheat production can also contribute to the productivity and sustainability of other food products. Therefore, research on wheat cultivation is important not only for the wheat industry itself but also for ensuring global food security and agricultural development.