It would appear that the desert is growing in other parts of the world.
Air pollution seems to have a direct and negative impact on grain production in India, a US study warned on Monday, with recent increases in smog decreasing projected yields by half.
Analysing 30 years of data, scientists developed a statistical model suggesting that air pollution caused wheat yields in densely populated states to be 50% lower than what they could have been in 2010.Up to 90% of the decrease in potential food production seems to be linked to smog, a mix of black carbon and other pollutants, the study said.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pollution-halves-india-s-potential-grain-yield-study/article1-1282619.aspx
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More than 40% of China's arable land is suffering from degradation, seriously reducing the country's capacity to produce food for the world's biggest population, Xinhua reported Tuesday.
The rich black soil in Northeastern Heilongjiang province, which forms part of China's bread basket, is thinning, while farmland in China's south is suffering from acidification, the report said, citing agriculture ministry statistics.
Degraded land typically includes soil suffering from reduced fertility, erosion, changes in acidity and the effects of climate change as well as damage from pollutants.
China's growing population and accelerating urbanization are eroding the country's arable land and threatening food security.
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2014-11/05/content_18871081.htm