The article discusses how to increase the productivity of rice, wheat, and maize to meet the growing food demand. It explains the terms 'yield potential', 'potential yield', and 'maximum potential yield' in relation to actual yields on farms. The study explores methods to estimate the potential yields of cereals, focusing on rice. It highlights the importance of factors like light absorption, efficiency in using sunlight, and harvest index in improving crop yields. The review also emphasizes the need to enhance resistance to pests and environmental stresses to boost potential yields of cereals.