agriculture system essay

Essay on Agriculture for Students and Children

500+ words essay on agriculture.

Agriculture is one of the major sectors of the Indian economy. It is present in the country for thousands of years. Over the years it has developed and the use of new technologies and equipment replaced almost all the traditional methods of farming. Besides, in India, there are still some small farmers that use the old traditional methods of agriculture because they lack the resources to use modern methods. Furthermore, this is the only sector that contributed to the growth of not only itself but also of the other sector of the country.

Growth and Development of the Agriculture Sector

India largely depends on the agriculture sector. Besides, agriculture is not just a mean of livelihood but a way of living life in India. Moreover, the government is continuously making efforts to develop this sector as the whole nation depends on it for food.

For thousands of years, we are practicing agriculture but still, it remained underdeveloped for a long time. Moreover, after independence, we use to import food grains from other countries to fulfill our demand. But, after the green revolution, we become self-sufficient and started exporting our surplus to other countries.

Besides, these earlier we use to depend completely on monsoon for the cultivation of food grains but now we have constructed dams, canals, tube-wells, and pump-sets. Also, we now have a better variety of fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds, which help us to grow more food in comparison to what we produce during old times.

With the advancement of technology, advanced equipment, better irrigation facility and the specialized knowledge of agriculture started improving.

Furthermore, our agriculture sector has grown stronger than many countries and we are the largest exporter of many food grains.

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Significance of Agriculture

It is not wrong to say that the food we eat is the gift of agriculture activities and Indian farmers who work their sweat to provide us this food.

In addition, the agricultural sector is one of the major contributors to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and national income of the country.

Also, it requires a large labor force and employees around 80% of the total employed people. The agriculture sector not only employees directly but also indirectly.

Moreover, agriculture forms around 70% of our total exports. The main export items are tea, cotton, textiles, tobacco, sugar, jute products, spices, rice, and many other items.

Negative Impacts of Agriculture

Although agriculture is very beneficial for the economy and the people there are some negative impacts too. These impacts are harmful to both environments as the people involved in this sector.

Deforestation is the first negative impact of agriculture as many forests have been cut downed to turn them into agricultural land. Also, the use of river water for irrigation causes many small rivers and ponds to dry off which disturb the natural habitat.

Moreover, most of the chemical fertilizers and pesticides contaminate the land as well as water bodies nearby. Ultimately it leads to topsoil depletion and contamination of groundwater.

In conclusion, Agriculture has given so much to society. But it has its own pros and cons that we can’t overlook. Furthermore, the government is doing his every bit to help in the growth and development of agriculture; still, it needs to do something for the negative impacts of agriculture. To save the environment and the people involved in it.

FAQs about Essay on Agriculture

Q.1 Name the four types of agriculture? A.1 The four types of agriculture are nomadic herding, shifting cultivation, commercial plantation, and intensive subsistence farming.

Q.2 What are the components of the agriculture revolution? A.2 The agriculture revolution has five components namely, machinery, land under cultivation, fertilizers, and pesticides, irrigation, and high-yielding variety of seeds.

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Home / Blog

Why Is Agriculture Important? Benefits and Its Role

July 12, 2022 

Tables of Contents

What Is Agriculture?

Why is agriculture important, how is agriculture important, importance of agriculture in everyday life, how does agriculture affect the economy, importance of agricultural biodiversity, why is agriculture important for the future.

When people think of agriculture, they often envision crop farming: soil and land preparation and sowing, fertilizing, irrigating, and harvesting different types of plants and vegetation.

However, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) , crop farming is just one element of the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting sector. Agriculture also encompasses raising livestock; industrial forestry and fishing; and agricultural support services, such as agricultural equipment repair and trucking operations.

Why is agriculture important? It helps sustain life by providing the food we need to survive. It also contributes $7 trillion to the U.S. economy. Despite agriculture’s importance, the Economic Policy Institute reports that farmworkers are among the lowest-paid workers in the U.S.

However, agriculture also provides opportunities for economic equity and helps people prosper around the world. For example, since 2000, the agricultural growth rate in Sub-Saharan Africa has surpassed that of any other region in the world (approximately 4.3% annually), contributing to the region’s economic gains, according to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). While there’s been a global decline in agricultural jobs — from 1 billion in 2000 to 883 million in 2019, according to employment indicators from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — agriculture remains the second-highest source of employment (26.7% of total work).

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Agriculture is the practice of cultivating natural resources to sustain human life and provide economic gain. It combines the creativity, imagination, and skill involved in planting crops and raising animals with modern production methods and new technologies.

Agriculture is also a business that provides the global economy with commodities: basic goods used in commerce, such as grain, livestock, dairy, fiber, and raw materials for fuel. For example, fiber is a top crop in U.S. agricultural production , according to The Balance Small Business, and a necessary commodity for the clothing sector.

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Agriculture impacts society in many ways, including: supporting livelihoods through food, habitat, and jobs; providing raw materials for food and other products; and building strong economies through trade. Source: The Balance Small Business.

A key to why agriculture is important to business and society is its output — from producing raw materials to contributing to the global supply chain and economic development.

Providing Raw Materials

Raw materials are a core building block of the global economy. Without access to raw materials, manufacturers can’t make products. Nonagricultural raw materials include steel, minerals, and coal. However, many raw materials derive from agriculture — from lumber for construction materials to herbs for adding flavor to food. Corn, for example, is used to produce foods and serves as a foundation for ethanol, a type of fuel. Another example is resins : plant products used in various industrial applications, such as adhesives, coatings, and paints used in construction.

Creating a Strong Supply Chain

Importing and exporting goods such as agricultural products requires shipping methods such as ocean freight, rail, and trucking. Delays in shipping agricultural products from a Los Angeles port can create problems in China, and vice versa, impacting the global supply chain.

For example, sales of soybean crops from Iowa skyrocketed in 2021 due to various factors including delays in South American crop shipments, according to the Iowa Soybean Association. In this example, Iowa benefited from a competitive standpoint. However, delays in shipping crops could also be detrimental to regions expecting shipment, limiting availability of products on store shelves and affecting livelihoods.

Encouraging Economic Development

Agriculture impacts global trade because it’s tied to other sectors of the economy, supporting job creation and encouraging economic development. Countries with strong agricultural sectors experience employment growth in other sectors, according to USAID. Countries with agricultural productivity growth and robust agriculture infrastructure also have higher per capita incomes, since producers in these countries innovate through technology and farm management practices to boost agricultural productivity and profitability.

Resources on the Importance of Agriculture

The following resources provide information about the importance of agriculture as a source of raw materials and its impact on transportation and contribution to economic development:

• American Farm Bureau Federation, Fast Facts About Agriculture & Food : Provides various statistics demonstrating why agriculture is important.
• The Western Producer, “Suddenly Agriculture Is Important ”: Highlights agriculture’s role as a stable commodity provider even amid disruption.
• LinkedIn, “What Is Agriculture and Its Importance? ”: Discusses the importance of agriculture in 10 areas.

When global supply chains are disrupted , considerable attention is given to the technology sector. For example, the lack of computer chips — made from silicon, a nonagricultural raw material — limits a manufacturer’s ability to make computers, cars, and other products. This impacts many areas of society and business.

Agriculture also plays a central role in meeting consumer and business market demand in a world with interconnected economies. Here are different types of products derived from agriculture.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are essential sources of fiber, proteins, and carbohydrates in human diets. Vitamins, such as A, C, and E, and minerals, such as magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus, are naturally occurring in many fruits and vegetables. In addition to health benefits, fruits and vegetables add flavors to the human palette.

Animal Feed

Some fruits and vegetables are grown to provide feed for animals, from poultry to livestock. The American Industry Feed Association reports that about 900 animal feed ingredients are approved by law in the U.S. These include ingredients that come from agricultural production, including hay, straw, oils, sprouted grains, and legumes.

Natural Rubber Production

The number of vehicles in the world  is more than 1.4 billion, according to Hedges & Company market research. Every single one runs on rubber tires. According to GEP, the top rubber-producing countries are Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia — collectively representing approximately 70% of  global natural rubber production  — and about 90% of suppliers are small-scale farmers.

Cotton for Clothing

From cotton to clothes, the journey starts with agricultural production. Cotton is grown, harvested, and then processed, spun, and woven into fabric before it becomes a piece of clothing. Cotton production encompasses an expansive global supply chain, and according to Forum for the Future , it’s a leading commodity, making up approximately 31% of all textile fibers globally.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports favorable economics of biofuels , produced from biomass sources including agricultural products such as corn, soybeans, sugarcane, and algae. The benefits include reduced greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions and the potential for increased incomes for farmers. However, biodiesel production requires the use of land and water resources that can affect food costs.

Industrial Products

Bio-based chemistry involves using raw materials derived from biomass to develop industrial products. Different industrial products derived from bio-based chemicals include bioplastics, plant oils, biolubricants, inks, dyes, detergents, and fertilizers. Bio-based chemicals and products offer an alternative to conventional products derived from petroleum products. Bio-based chemistry is considered a type of green chemistry because it promotes the reduction of environmental impacts in industrial production.

Pharmaceutical Products

For thousands of years, humans have turned to plants to help treat what ails them. For example, ginger, a plant root typically consumed in tea, can help aid digestion. Substances derived from plants and herbs can also help in healthcare. For example, extracted chemicals from the foxglove plant are used for digoxin, a drug used for heart failure. Another example is polylactic acid (PLA), a chemical produced when glucose is fermented into lactic acid in green plants. PLA has applications in tissue engineering, cardiovascular implants, orthopedic interventions, cancer therapy, and fabrication of surgical implants, according to a study published in Engineered Regeneration .

Agricultural products provide essential resources for daily activities, such as: getting ready for work in the morning, thanks to coffee and clothes; washing hands with soap; fueling vehicles to travel; preparing and eating food; and minding health through medicines and treatments. Sources: Commodity.com, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ThoughtCo, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For thousands of years, agriculture has played an important role in everyday life. Before agriculture, hunting and gathering enabled humans to survive. It wasn’t until the transition to the planned sowing and harvesting of crops that humans began to thrive. Humans developed tools and practices to improve agricultural output with more efficient means of sustaining themselves. From there, innovations that created industries led to the modern era.

Today, the importance of agriculture in everyday life can’t be minimized. Without the agriculture sector, activities such as getting dressed for work and cleaning the home wouldn’t be possible. Here are examples of the agricultural products we use in our everyday lives:

• Shelter . Wood and plant-based materials, such as bamboo, can be used for indoor décor and construction materials.
• Morning routine.  Mint is often an ingredient in toothpaste, adding flavor while brushing your teeth, and the caffeine in coffee that keeps you awake is derived from the coffee bean.
• Dressing up.  In addition to cotton, clothing can be manufactured from hemp, ramie, and flax. Bio-based materials can be used to produce grooming products such as skin creams and shampoos.
• Cleaning.  Two types of chemicals used in detergents, cleaning products, and bath or hand soap — surfactants and solvents — can be produced from biomass.
• Driving to work.  Plants make it possible to get to and from work. Think of rubber (sourced from rubber trees) and biodiesel fuel, which often includes ethanol (sourced from corn).
• Entertainment.  Paper from trees enables you to write, and some musical instruments, such as reed instruments, require materials made from plants.
• Education.  From pencils (still often made of wood) to paper textbooks, students rely on agricultural products every day.

Agriculture can have a significant effect on the economy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service reports that  agricultural and food sectors  provided 10% of all U.S. employment in 2020 — nearly 20 million full- and part-time jobs. Additionally, the USDA reported that  cash receipts from crops  totaled nearly $198 billion in 2020.  Animal and animal product receipts  weren’t far behind in 2020, totaling $165 billion.

The interdependence of the  food and agriculture sector  with other sectors, including water and wastewater systems, transportation systems, energy, and chemical, makes it a critical engine for economic activity, according to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Agriculture also impacts economic development by contributing to the overall U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), directly and indirectly. It does so through farm production, forestry, fishing activities, textile mills and products, apparel and food and beverage sales, and service and manufacturing.

• Farm production.  The latest USDA data on  farming and farming income  report the U.S. had a little over 2 million farms, encompassing 897 million acres, in 2020. Farm production includes producing fruits, vegetables, plants, and varieties of crops to meet demand for agricultural products throughout the country and abroad.
• Forestry and fishing activities.  Agricultural activities include forestry and harvesting fish in water farms or in their natural habitat.  Agroforestry is focused on “establishing, managing, using, and conserving forests, trees and associated resources in a sustainable manner to meet desired goals, needs, and values,” according to the USDA. A form of fishing activity known as  aquaculture  involves the production of fish and other sea animals under controlled conditions to provide food.
• Textile mills and products.  The  S. cotton industry  produces $21 billion in products and services annually, according to the USDA. The industry has created various employment roles, such as growers, ginners, and buyers working on farms and in textile mills, cotton gins, offices, and warehouses.
• Apparel and food and beverage sales.  Since agriculture is a business, selling products made from agricultural production is essential. A key aspect of the sales component in agriculture is to help growers build capacity and understand the market dynamics to meet the needs of customers, many of whom care deeply about Food services and eating and drinking places accounted for 10.5 million jobs in 2020, the largest share among all categories within the agriculture and food sectors, according to the USDA.
• Manufacturing.  Agricultural products contribute to the manufacturing of a huge variety of goods, including food and beverage products, textiles, cleaning and personal products, construction materials, fuels, and more. According to the USDA, food and beverage manufacturing companies employ about 1.7 million people in the U.S.

Here’s how agriculture directly and indirectly contributes to the U.S. gross domestic product: farm production, forestry and fishing activities, textile mills and products, apparel and food and beverage sales, and service and manufacturing. Sources: American Farm Bureau Federation, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, and the USDA.

Here are ways agriculture and related industries impact economic development:

Agribusiness

Agribusiness  consists of the companies that perform the commercial activities involved in getting agricultural goods to market. It includes all types of businesses in the food sector, from small family farms to global agricultural conglomerates. In the U.S., farms contributed about $136 billion to GDP (about 0.6% of total GDP) in 2019, according to the USDA.

However, farms are just one component of agribusiness. Agribusiness also includes businesses involved in manufacturing agricultural equipment (such as tractors) and chemical-based products (like fertilizers) and companies involved in the production and refinement of biofuels. USDA data reports that in total, farms and related industries contributed more than $1.1 trillion to GDP, a little over 5% of the GDP, in 2019.

The  economics of agribusiness  also entails building production systems and supply chains that help maintain a country’s economic and social stability. Through the development of organizational and technological knowledge, agribusiness plays a vital role in protecting the environment and biodiversity near farms and using natural resources sustainably.

Food Security

Food security  is central to the agricultural industry:  Sustainable agriculture  is a key to fulfilling the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including  SDG 2 :  Zero Hunger . In addition to food security, the agricultural sector raises the incomes among the poorest communities  up to four times more effectively  than other sectors, according to the World Bank.

Job Creation

Throughout the world, agriculture plays an important role in job creation. For example, agriculture accounts for 25% of exports in developing countries in Latin America, about 5% of their regional GDP, according to a report about  the importance of agribusiness  from BBVA, a corporate and investment bank. This activity is a source of economic activity and jobs in these countries. In the U.S., agriculture and related industries provide 19.7 million full- and part-time jobs, about 10.3% of all employment.

Resources on the Economic Impact of Agriculture

The following resources highlight agriculture’s impact on the economy, from how disruption affects the business and the benefits of the sector to people’s livelihoods:

• Economic Research Service, Farming and Farm Income : Provides an overview of trends in farming and economic development statistics.
• American Journal of Agricultural Economics, “The Importance of Agriculture in the Economy: Impacts from COVID-19” : Highlights why agriculture is important based on the impact of COVID-19’s disruptions to the sector.
• Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics, “Agriculture, Transportation, and the COVID-19 Crisis” : Discusses how transportation services that COVID-19 has disrupted can impact agricultural supply chains.

Advanced farming equipment and the increased use of fertilizers and pesticides have resulted in higher crop yields. At the same time, they’ve impacted the environment, contributing to soil and water pollution and climate change. NASA projects a 24% decline in corn crop yields by 2030, thanks to climate change. However, ensuring a healthy biodiversity can help mitigate the impact. Here are some factors to consider:

• Sustainable agriculture.  Through  sustainable agricultural practices , farmers and ranchers help ensure the profitability of their land while improving soil fertility, helping promote sound environmental practices, and minimizing environmental impacts through  climate action .
• Climate change regulation.  The agricultural sector produced about 10% of U.S.  greenhouse gas emissions  in 2019, according to the EPA. Regulation and policy changes can help promote sustainable practices in the sector and provide guidance on agricultural adaptation to address the challenges that climate change poses.
• Agriculture technology and innovation.  From temperature- and moisture-sensing devices to GPS technologies for land surveys to robots,  agriculture technology  can result in higher crop yields, less chemical runoff, and lower impact on natural resources.

Agricultural Biodiversity Resources

Find information about agricultural biodiversity and its impacts in the following resources:

• Our World in Data, “Environmental Impacts of Food Production” : Discusses how sustainable agriculture offers a path to addressing food and nutrition issues.
• IBM, “The Benefits of Sustainable Agriculture and How We Get There” : Addresses how artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics technologies help farmers maximize food production and minimize their environmental impact.
• S. Environmental Protection Agency, The Sources and Solutions: Agriculture : Explains how agriculture can contribute to reducing nutrient pollution.
• FoodPrint, Biodiversity and Agriculture : Provides answers to what it will take to preserve the health of the planet to safeguard our own food supply.
• Brookings, “What Is the Future of Work in Agri-Food? ”: Discusses the future of agricultural automation and its impact on work.

Agriculture offers an opportunity to improve the lives of millions of food-insecure people and help countries develop economies that create jobs and raise incomes. Today’s agriculture also impacts future generations. To ensure the long-term success of the global agricultural sector, building a more sustainable economic system aligned with the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals is a crucial imperative to help create a more equitable society.

Infographic Sources

American Farm Bureau Federation, “Farm Contribution to Agricultural GDP at Record Low”

Bureau of Economic Analysis, “Gross Domestic Product (Third Estimate), Corporate Profits (Revised Estimate), and GDP by Industry, Second Quarter 2021”

Commodity.com, “Learn All About Agricultural Commodities and Market Trends”

Environmental Protection Agency, Commonly Consumed Food Commodities

The Balance Small Business, “What Is Agricultural Production?”

ThoughtCo, “List of Medicines Made From Plants”

USDA, Ag and Food Sectors and the Economy

USDA National Agricultural Library, Industrial, Energy, and Non-food Crops

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Essay on Sustainable Agriculture

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Introduction: What Is Sustainable Agriculture?

Importance of sustainable agriculture, population growth, per capita food consumption, sustainable agriculture and technology, green politics, conclusion of sustainable agriculture.

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Sustainable agriculture has dominated the sociological understanding of the rural world largely. Following the enthusiasm around the concept as a means of eradication of poverty and turning the economy to a “resource-efficient, low carbon Green Economy”. Global population, and consequently consumption has increased.

However, technological development has matched the demand for food in terms of food production, but the distribution of food is not evenly distributed. This has brought forth the question of the possibility of supplying adequate food to the ever-growing global population.

Further, the challenges posed by depleting non-renewable sources of energy, rising costs, and climate change have brought the issue related to sustainability of food production and the related social and economic impact of the food production into forefront. This paper outlines the meaning and technology related to sustainable agriculture and tries to gauge its impact as a possible solution to the impending food crisis.

Sustainable agriculture is a process of farming using eco-friendly methods understanding and maintaining the relationship between the organisms and environment. In this process of agriculture and animal husbandry are combined to form a simultaneous process and practice. In other words, sustainable agriculture is an amalgamation of three main elements viz. ecological health, profitability, and propagating equality.

The concept of sustainability rests on the principle of not wasting any resources that may become useful to the future generations. Therefore, the main idea of sustainability rests on stewardship of individual and natural resources. Before understanding the technology involved in sustainable agriculture, it is important to know why we need it in the first place.

The rise in population growth and urbanization of people has led to a dietary change of the world population, which now rests more on animal protein. Therefore understanding the demographic changes in the world population has become an important parameter to judge the future demand for food.

As population growth rate is the key variable that affects the demand for food, therefore understanding the number of people increasing worldwide is important. According to the UNDP results, the annual population growth rate had declined from 2.2% in 1962 to 1.1% in 2010, however, this increase to indicate an increase of 75 million people.

However, this increase in population is not equitably distributed as some areas such as Africa, Latin America, and Asia face a growth rate of 2% while others such as the erstwhile Soviet bloc countries have a negative rate.

According to the UNDP predictions, population worldwide is expected to increase to 9 billion in 2050 from the present 7 billion. Therefore, the uncertain growth in population is expected to affect food demand and therefore food production.

Undernourishment is a prevalent problem in the developing world, wherein almost 20% of the developing world that is more than 5 billion people is undernourished.

Further, in emerging economies, food consumption is increasing with increased preference for animal protein such as meat, dairy products, and eggs. Therefore, the growth of consumption of animal protein has increased the necessity of grazing of livestock, therefore, increasing further pressure on the food supply.

It is believed that the increase in the demand for food due to the increase in global population and changes in dietary habits of the population. In the past, the demand for food and the rate of production has remained at par, but the unequal distribution of food has led to the major problem in food supply and starvation in various parts of the world.

Another problem that food production in the future faces is the constraint of non-renewable natural resources. The most critical resources, which are becoming scant for the future generations are –

• Land : Availability of land globally to cultivate food has grown marginally due to the increase in global population. The availability of land available per person to grow food has declined from 1.30 hectares in 1967 to 0.72 hectares in 2007. Therefore, a clear dearth in agricultural land is a deterrent to future agriculture.
• Water : The world comprises of 70% freshwater resources, available from rivers and groundwater. Deficiency of freshwater has been growing as usage of water has increased more than twice the rate of population growth. As water is required for irrigation purposes, water availability to is not equally distributed around the world. Therefore, reduced water supply would limit the per capita production of food.
• Energy : Globally, the scarcity of the non-renewable resources of energy is another concern. The global demand for energy is expected to double by 2050, consequently increasing energy prices. Therefore, food production for the future will have to devise a technology based on renewable sources of energy.

The question of sustainability in agriculture arose due to some pressing issues that have limited the utilization of erstwhile processes and technologies for food production. However, it should be noted that sustainable agriculture does not prescribe any set rule or technology for the production process, rather shows a way towards sustainability.

Sustainable agriculture uses best management practices by adhering to target-oriented cultivation. The agriculture process looks at disease-oriented hybrid, pest control through use of biological insecticides and low usage of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Usually, insect-specific pest control is used, which is biological in nature.

Water given to the crops is through micro-sprinklers which help is directly watering the roots of the plants, and not flooding the field completely. The idea is to manage the agricultural land for both plants and animal husbandry.

For instance, in many southwestern parts of Florida’s citrus orchards, areas meant for water retention and forest areas become a natural habitat for birds and other animals. The process uses integrated pest management that helps in reducing the amount of pesticide used in cultivation.

Sustainable agriculture adopts green technology as a means of reducing wastage of non-renewable energy and increase production. In this respect, the sustainable agricultural technology is linked to the overall developmental objective of the nation and is directly related to solving socio-economic problems of the nation.

The UN report states, “The productivity increases in possible through environment-friendly and profitable technologies.” In order to understand the technology better, one must realize that the soil’s health is crucial for cultivation of crops.

Soil is not just another ingredient for cultivation like pesticides or fertilizers; rather, it is a complex and fragile medium that must be nurtured to ensure higher productivity. Therefore, the health of the soil can be maintained using eco-friendly methods:

Healthy soil, essential to agriculture, is a complex, living medium. The loose but coherent structure of good soil holds moisture and invites airflow. Ants (a) and earthworms (b) mix the soil naturally. Rhizobium bacteria (c) living in the root nodules of legumes (such as soybeans) create fixed nitrogen, an essential plant nutrient.

Other soil microorganisms, including fungi (d), actinomycetes (e), and bacteria (f), decompose organic matter, thereby releasing more nutrients. Microorganisms also produce substances that help soil particles adhere to one another. To remain healthy, soil must be fed organic materials such as various manures and crop residues.

This is nothing but a broader term to denote environment-friendly solutions to agricultural production. Therefore, the technology-related issue of sustainable agriculture is that it should use such technology that allows usage of renewable sources of energy and is not deterrent to the overall environment.

The politics around sustainable agriculture lies in the usage of the renewable sources of energy and disciplining of the current consumption rates. The politics related to the sustainable agriculture is also related to the politics of sustainable consumption.

Though there is a growing concern over depleting food for the future and other resources, there is hardly any measure imposed by the governments of developed and emerging economies to sustain the consumption pattern of the population.

The advocates of green politics believe that a radical change of the conventional agricultural process is required for bringing forth sustainable agriculture. Green politics lobbies for an integrated farming system that can be the only way to usher in sustainable agricultural program.

Sustainable agriculture is the way to maintain a parity between the increasing pressure of food demand and food production in the future. As population growth, change in income demographics, and food preferences change, there are changes in the demand of food of the future population.

Further, changes in climate and increasing concern regarding the depletion of non-renewable sources of energy has forced policymakers and scientists to device another way to sustain the available resources as well as continue meeting the increased demand of food.

Sustainable agriculture is the method through which these problems can be overlooked, bringing forth a new integrated form of agriculture that looks at food production in a holistic way.

Batie, S. S., ‘Sustainable Development: Challenges to Profession of Agricultural Economics’, American Journal of Agricultural Economics, vol. 71, no. 5, 1989: 1083-1101.

Dobson, A., The Politics of Nature: Explorations in Green Political Theory, Psychology Press, London, 1993.

Leaver, J. D., ‘Global food supply: a challenge for sustainable agriculture’, Nutrition Bulletin, vol. 36 , 2011: 416-421.

Martens, S., & G. Spaargaren, ‘The politics of sustainable consumption: the case of the Netherlands’, Sustainability: Science, Practice, & Policy, vol.1 no. 1, 2005: 29-42.

Morris, C., & M. Winter, ‘Integrated farming systems: the third way for European agriculture?’, Land Use Policy, vol. 16, no. 4, 1999: 193–205.

Reganold, J. P., R. I. Papendick, & J. F. Parr, ‘Sustainable Agriculture’, Scientific American , 1990: 112-120.

Townsend, C., ‘ Technology for Sustainable Agriculture. ‘ Florida Gulf Coast University, 1998. Web.

United Nations, ‘ Green technology for sustainable agriculture development ‘, United Nations Asian And Pacific Centre For Agricultural Engineering And Machinery, 2010. Web.

—, ‘ Sustainable agriculture key to green growth, poverty reduction – UN officials ‘, United Nations, 2011. Web.

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187 Agriculture Essay Topics & Research Questions + Examples

Are you looking for the best agriculture topics to write about? You’re at the right place! StudyCorgi has prepared a list of important agriculture research topics. On this page, any student can find essay questions and project ideas on various agricultural issues, such as food safety, genetically engineered crops, and sustainable farming practices.

👨‍🌾 TOP 7 Agriculture Research Topics – 2024

🏆 best essay topics on agriculture, 🎓 most interesting agriculture topics for college students, 👍 good agriculture research topics & essay examples, 💡 cool agricultural research topics for high school students, ❓ research questions about agriculture, 🔎 current agriculture research paper topics, 📝 agriculture argumentative essay topics, 🗣️ agriculture topics for speech.

• Commercial Agriculture, Its Role and Definition
• Agriculture: Personal Field Visit
• Agriculture and Its Role in Economic Development
• Soil: The Essential Aspect of Agriculture
• In Support of Robotics Use in Agriculture
• Food Safety Issues in Modern Agriculture
• Pedagogical Content Knowledge in Secondary Level Agricultural Science
• Agricultural Biotechnology and Its Pros and Cons Agricultural biotechnology enhances the growth of crops and animals, minimizes pesticide use, and improves the nutritional quality of produce.
• Agriculture and Food in Ancient Greece The paper states that agricultural practices and goods from Greece extended to neighboring countries in the Mediterranean as the dominance increased.
• Globalization Impact on Sustainable Agriculture The emphasis on globalization has continued to undermine the pursuit of sustainable agriculture due to the many environmental, social, and economic consequences.
• History of Agricultural Technology Development Agricultural technologies were majorly developed during the Medieval period to ensure sufficient product yields for growing populations around the world.
• Sustainable Agriculture Against Food Insecurity The paper argues sustainable agriculture is one way to reduce food insecurity without harming the planet because the number of resources is currently decreasing.
• Industry and Agriculture: Use of Technology Industry and agriculture are among the areas that have experienced a vast rise in effectiveness and performance quality due to the integration of new types of technology into them.
• Climate Changes Impact on Agriculture and Livestock The project evaluates the influences of climate changes on agriculture and livestock in different areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Population Growth and Agriculture in the Future The current industrial agriculture needs to be advanced and developed in combination with sustainable agricultural practices.
• The Agriculture Industry’s Digital Transformation This study seeks to explore the dynamics of digital technology in agriculture over the past two decades, focusing on the perspectives and perceptions of the farmers.
• Agricultural Influences on the Developing Civil Society Agriculture had a significant influence on developing societies, ranging from creating trade to bringing industrialization, education, and social classes.
• Trade Peculiarities in Food and Agriculture Food trading is a peculiar area, as food is the basis for surviving the population. The one who controls food production and trading routes, also controls all populations.
• Agriculture: Application of Information Technology IT application in agriculture has contributed to food security in most modern communities. Farming has become easier than before as new inventions are made.
• Climate Change and Its Potential Impact on Agriculture and Food Supply The global food supply chain has been greatly affected by the impact of global climate change. There are, however, benefits as well as drawbacks to crop production.
• Agricultural Problems in Venezuela Agriculture has been greatly underdeveloped in Venezuela, yet it is a country that has vital minerals and resources required for the global economy.
• Repeasantization: Impact on Agriculture The repeasantization led to fundamental changes that created a new system of agriculture that is still relevant today.
• Food and Agriculture of Ancient Greece The concepts of agriculture and cuisine both have a deep connection to Greek history, culture, development, and social trends.
• The Big History of Civilizations – Origins of Agriculture: Video Analysis This paper aims to analyze the origins of agriculture – what was a foraging economy and way of life like, as well as compare foragers and farmers.
• Improving Stress Resistance in Agricultural Crops The essay suggests that stress-resistant crops are needed to ensure yield stability under stress conditions and to minimize the environmental impacts of crop production.
• Hunting and Gathering Versus Agricultural Society The hunting and gathering society is considered the most equitable of all seven types, while the agricultural community gives rise to the development of civilization.
• Agriculture the Backbone of Ancient Egypt’s Economy In pre-industrial societies, agriculture was the backbone of most economies. This is true in ancient times and very much evident in ancient Egypt.
• Agriculture and Mayan Society Resilience The Yucatan peninsula had a vast landscape which was good for agriculture thus making agriculture to be the main economic base for the Mayans.
• Freedom in American Countryside and Agriculture This paper portrays how freedom has been eliminated in the countryside by the state agriculture department, and whether the farmer has a moral right to do his farming practices.
• Market Revolution: Agriculture and Global Trade In the era of traders, the vast land area and rich natural resources created many economic opportunities. Most people lived in rural areas and were engaged in agriculture.
• Agriculture, Water, and Food Security in Tanzania This paper evaluates the strategies applicable to the development and further maintenance of agriculture, water, and food security in Tanzania.
• The Australian Agriculture Company’s Financial Analysis The Australian Agriculture Company shows a positive sign for investment due to its financial analysis indicating company resilience and strong prospects of growth.
• Governmental Price Control in Agricultural Sector The consequences of real-life governmental price control are the evolutionary nature of transformations in the agricultural sector.
• Aspects of Pesticide Use in Agriculture This paper investigates socio-environmental factors connected with pesticide use in agriculture and food production. It has a destructive impact on the environment
• Agriculture-Led Food Crops and Cash Crops in Tanzania This paper aims to explore the contributions of the agriculture sector in Tanzania to the country’s industrialization process by using recent data about its food and cash crops.
• Agriculture and Food Production in the Old Kingdom
• Agriculture and the Transition to the Market in Asia
• Agrarian Reform and Subsistence Agriculture in Russia
• Agriculture, Nutrition, and the Green Revolution in Bangladesh
• Agriculture Business and Management
• Agriculture, Horticulture, and Ancient Egypt
• Agriculture and Food Production in the Old Kingdom of Egypt
• Administrative and Transaction-Related Costs of Subsidising Agriculture
• Agriculture and Economic Growth in Argentina, 1913-84
• Agriculture and Economic Development in Brazil, 1960-1995
• Agriculture and Greenhouse Gas Cap-And-Trade
• Croatian Agriculture Towards World Market Liberalization
• Adapting Credit Risk Models to Agriculture
• Agriculture and European Union Enlargement
• Agriculture and Food Security in Pakistan
• Cash Flows and Financing in Texas Agriculture
• Current Problems With Indian Agriculture
• Agriculture and Its Drain on California
• Agriculture and the Economic Life of India
• Agriculture and Global Climate Stabilization
• Achieving Regional Growth Dynamics in African Agriculture
• Agriculture and Non-agricultural Liberalization in the Millennium Round
• Corporate Agriculture and Modern Times
• Agriculture and Rural Employment Agricultural in Bolivia
• Climatic Fluctuations and the DI¤Usion of Agriculture
• Agriculture Global Market Briefing
• Agriculture and the Industrial Revolution of the Late 1700s
• Agriculture and Animal Husbandry in Ecuador
• Biofuels, Agriculture, and Climate Change
• Aggregate Technical Efficiency and Water Use in U.S. Agriculture
• The Impact of Pesticides’ Use on Agriculture Pesticides are mostly known for their adverse effects and, therefore, have a mostly negative connotation when discussed among general audiences.
• Cuisine and Agriculture of Ancient Greece There are many reasons for modern students to investigate the development of cuisine and agriculture in Ancient Greece.
• Agriculture and Food Safety in the United States Agriculture in the United States has grown progressively centralized. The shortcomings in the 2018 U.S. farm legislation resulted in multiple challenges in the food system.
• Sustainable Agriculture and Future Perspectives Sustainable agriculture is essential to the earth’s environment. When farmers take care of their land and crops, they are taking care of environmental sustainability.
• Colonialism and Economic Development of Africa Through Agriculture The colonial period is characterized by the exploitation of the agricultural sector in Africa to make a profit and provide Western countries with raw materials.
• Agricultural Adaptation to Changing Environments The paper discusses the impact of climate change on agriculture in Canada. This phenomenon is real and has affected the industry over at least the last three decades.
• The Neolithic Era: Architecture and Agriculture The improvements to agriculture, society, architecture, and culture made during the Neolithic period had an undeniable impact on aspects of the world.
• Multinational Agricultural Manufacturing Companies’ Standardization & Adaptation The most popular approaches that multinational companies use to serve their customers from various countries are standardization and adaptation.
• Agricultural Technology Implementation by Medieval Europeans and West Africans The paper examines how West Africans and Medieval Europeans were affected by their corresponding climates and why their methods were unique to their respective locations.
• Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture and Food This paper will examine four aspects of climate change: variation in the rainfall pattern, water levels, drought, temperature, and heatwaves.
• Canadian Laws Regarding Agricultural Sector The unions in Canada are the concept over which there has been an excessive dispute involving court proceedings and questioning the constitutional rights of citizens.
• Agriculture Development and Related Theories There are two main domestication models used to describe the development of agriculture: unconscious and conscious.
• Agricultural Traditions of Canadians In Canada there is a very good agricultural education, so young people can get higher education in agriculture and use it on their own farms.
• Sharecropping. History of Racial Agriculture Sharecropping became a variation of racialized agriculture, that which has negative impact on the capabilities of the black population to generate and pass down wealth.
• Food Additives Use in Agriculture in the United States Food additives in agriculture become a debatable issue because their benefits do not always prevail over such shortages like health issues and environmental concerns.
• Radio-Frequency Identification in Healthcare and Agriculture Specifically, radio-frequency identification (RFID) has gained traction due to its ability to transmit data over distance.
• Mechanism of US Agricultural Market The fact that lower interest rates increased the number of potential customers for real estate in the 2000s shows that housing prices should have increased.
• A Biological Terror Attack in Agriculture The United States is highly vulnerable to terror attacks of biological nature in agriculture yet such an occurrence can cripple the economy.
• The Economics of Race, Agriculture and Environment This research paper is going to answer the question; do public policies reduce or enhance racial inequality in agricultural and environmental affairs?
• Impact of Bioterrorism on the U.S Agriculture System The paper describes that the term bioterrorism has several definitions depending upon the origin of the attack but in general terms, it refers to any form of terrorist attack.
• Impacts of Genetic Engineering of Agricultural Crops In present days the importance of genetic engineering grew due to the innovations in biotechnologies and Sciences.
• The Effects of Genetic Modification of Agricultural Products Discussion of the threat to the health of the global population of genetically modified food in the works of Such authors as Jane Brody and David Ehrenfeld.
• Homeland Security in Agriculture and Health Sectors Lack of attention to the security and protection of the agricultural sector in the U.S. economy can create a serious threat to the health and safety of the population.
• Water Savings and Virtual Trade in Agriculture Water trade in agriculture is not a practice that is unique to the modern generation. The practice was common long before the emergence of the Egyptian Empire.
• Virtual Water Trade and Savings in Agriculture This essay discusses the savings associated with virtual water trade in agriculture and touches on the effects of a shift to local agricultural production on global water savings.
• Virtual Water Trade of Agricultural Products Virtual water trade is a concept associated with globalization and the global economy. Its rise was motivated by growing water scarcity in arid areas around the world.
• Agricultural Role in African Development Diao et al. attempt to determine the role of agriculture in overcoming the challenge of poverty in rural areas of Africa compared to alternative theories of economic growth.
• Agriculture in Honduras: Existing Challenges and Possible Solutions This paper tackles the issue of existing challenges and possible solutions to the problems of agriculture in Honduras.
• Virtual Water Savings and Trade in Agriculture The idea of virtual water was initially created as a method for assessing how water-rare nations could offer food, clothing, and other water-intensive products to their residents.
• European Invasion and Agriculture in the Caribbean The early invasion of the Europeans in the Caribbean did not prompt the employment of the slave trade in the agricultural activities until the development of the sugar plantations.
• America’s Agriculture in the Period of 1865-1938 This paper analyzes America’s contribution in prevention of natural calamities, decline of soil quality, promotion of production outlay and provision of sufficient food.
• Capital Taxes and Agriculture
• Canadian Trade With the Chinese Agriculture Market
• Agriculture and Its Impact on Economic Development
• Bacteriocins From the Rhizosphere Microbiome From an Agriculture Perspective
• Agriculture and Its Impact on Financial Institutions
• Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food in the Irish Economy
• Adoption and Economic Impact of Site-Specific Technologies in U.S. Agriculture
• Cash Rents and Land Values in U.S. Agriculture
• Crises and Structural Change in Australian Agriculture
• Biotechnology and Its Application in Agriculture
• Alternative Policies for Agriculture in Europe
• Agriculture and Food Security in Asia by 2030
• Agriculture and Coping Climate Change in Nepal
• Agriculture and Ethiopia’s Economic Transformation
• Culture: Agriculture and Egalitarian Social
• Adaptation, Climate Change, Agriculture, and Water
• Agriculture and the Literati in Colonial Bengal, 1870 to 1940
• Agriculture and Barley Farming Taro
• Agriculture and Agricultural Inputs Markets
• Agriculture and Environmental Challenges
• Challenges for Sustainable Agriculture in India
• Agriculture and German Reunification
• Agriculture and Tourism Relationship in Malaysia Tourism
• 21st Century Rural America: New Horizons for U.S. Agriculture
• Canadian Agriculture and the Canadian Agricultural Industry
• California Agriculture Dimensions and Issues
• Advancements and the Development of Agriculture in Ancient Greece and Rome
• Agriculture and Early Industrial Revolution
• Aztec: Agriculture and Habersham County
• Agriculture and Current Deforestation Practices
• How Has Agriculture Changed From Early Egypt, Greece, and Rome to the Present?
• What Are the Advantages of Using Pesticides on Agriculture?
• Are Digital Technologies for the Future of Agriculture?
• How Did Agriculture Change Our Society?
• Does Agriculture Help Poverty and Inequality Reduction?
• Can Agriculture Prosper Without Increased Social Capital?
• Are Mega-Farms the Future of Global Agriculture?
• How Can African Agriculture Adapt to Climate Change?
• Does Agriculture Really Matter for Economic Growth in Developing Countries?
• Can Conservation Agriculture Save Tropical Forests?
• How Can Sustainable Agriculture Be Better for Americans?
• Are U.S. and European Union Agriculture Policies Becoming More Similar?
• Should Pollution Reductions Count as Productivity Gains for Agriculture?
• Can Market Access Help African Agriculture?
• How Does Genetic Engineering Affect Agriculture?
• Does Individualization Help Productivity of Transition Agriculture?
• Can Spot and Contract Markets Co-Exist in Agriculture?
• How Has Biotechnology Changed Agriculture Throughout the Years?
• Does Trade Policy Impact Food and Agriculture Global Value Chain Participation of Sub-Saharan African Countries?
• Can Sustainable Agriculture Feed Africa?
• How Can Multifunctional Agriculture Support a Transition to a Green Economy in Africa?
• Does Urban Agriculture Enhance Dietary Diversity?
• How Did Government Policy, Technology, and Economic Conditions Affect Agriculture?
• Can the Small Dairy Farm Remain Competitive in US Agriculture?
• What Are the Main Changes in French Agriculture Since 1945 and What Challenges Does It Face Today?
• How Can Marketing Theory Be Applied to Policy Design to Deliver Sustainable Agriculture in England?
• Will African Agriculture Survive Climate Change?
• How Has Agriculture Changed Civilizations?
• Does Urban Agriculture Improve Food Security?
• Can US and Great Plains Agriculture Compete in the World Market?
• The effect of climate change on crop yields and food security.
• Sustainable agricultural practices for soil health.
• Precision agriculture techniques and applications.
• The impact of genetically engineered organisms on crop yields and safety.
• The benefits of agroforestry systems for the environment.
• Current challenges in water management in agriculture.
• The environmental impact of organic farming.
• The potential of urban agriculture to address food insecurity.
• Food waste in the agricultural supply chain.
• Comparing the effectiveness of aquaponic and hydroponic systems.
• Organic vs. conventional farming.
• Can regenerative agriculture combat climate change?
• Agricultural subsidies: pros and cons.
• Should harmful pesticides be banned to protect pollinators?
• Should arable land be used for biofuels or food production?
• Do patent protections of seeds hinder agricultural innovation?
• Agricultural robots: increased efficiency or displaced rural labor?
• Should GMO labeling be mandatory?
• Do the benefits of pesticides outweigh their potential health harms?
• Is it unsustainable to grow water-intensive crops in arid regions?
• The economics of organic farming.
• The need for climate-adaptive crops.
• The role of bees in agriculture and threats to their survival.
• Smart agriculture: transforming farming with data and connectivity.
• The journey of food in modern agricultural supply chains.
• The role of agri-tech startups in agricultural innovation.
• Youth in agriculture: inspiring the next generation of farmers.
• Why should we shift to plant-based meat alternatives?
• The importance of preserving indigenous agricultural practices.
• Smart irrigation systems: optimizing water use in agriculture.

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StudyCorgi . "187 Agriculture Essay Topics & Research Questions + Examples." March 1, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/agriculture-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2022. "187 Agriculture Essay Topics & Research Questions + Examples." March 1, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/agriculture-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Agriculture were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on June 20, 2024 .

• Essay On Agriculture

Essay on Agriculture

500+ words essay on agriculture.

In India, agriculture is considered a primary livelihood for most of the population, which can never be underestimated. Agriculture has existed for thousands of years in our country and has developed with new technologies and equipment that have replaced traditional farming methods. In India, few farmers still use the traditional farming method because they lack the resources to use modern techniques. Agriculture is the only sector that contributes to itself and other country sectors. India is the second-largest wheat, rice, cotton, fruit, vegetables, and tea producer. It is also a global powerhouse of agricultural production. It is the world’s largest producer of spices, milk, wheat, rice and cotton.

Role of Agricultural in Economic Development

The population of India largely depends on agriculture, and it is not only just a means of livelihood but a way of living. The Government of India is continuously developing the agricultural sector by framing new laws, implementing modern technology, etc. In India, the entire nation depends on agriculture for food. In earlier times, agriculture was mainly dependent on the monsoon, but dams, canals, pump sets, and tube wells are now being constructed.

Agriculture plays a crucial role in the economic development of India as 3/4th of the population is based on agriculture. It is one of the largest sources of livelihood for the country. The country was dependent on agriculture for a thousand years.

The agricultural sector also benefits the industries in getting their raw materials, which clearly states that a large part of the economy will freeze without a flourishing agriculture sector. It leads to the expansion of the industrial sector. Indian agriculture provides employment opportunities to most people, and 70% of the population, especially in rural areas, earn their livelihood from cultivation.

In India, agriculture plays an imperative role in enhancing foreign exchange. To other nations, India exports commodities such as coffee, spices, tea, vegetables, tobacco, etc. Agriculture contributes to Indian exports. With the invention of organic farming, exports have also increased in the last few decades.

Agriculture is the Indian economy’s most important sector, and India’s farm sector is the largest industry. With constant changes and developments happening and introduced policies, it will only go upwards. It will always remain a significant factor in the nation’s economic growth.

An essay on Agriculture is crucial that can be asked during the exam. Students can also access CBSE Essays from our BYJU’S website.

Frequently Asked Questions on Agriculture Essay

Where was agriculture originally developed.

Agriculture was developed in modern-day Iraq, Jordan, Palestine, Israel, parts of Turkey and Iran which was also known as the Fertile Crescent.

What are the main types of agriculture?

The four main types of agricultural activities include livestock production, crop production, agricultural economics and agricultural engineering.

What are agricultural methods which are famous in India?

The majority of Indian farmers practice subsistence farming which involves the cultivation of crops on small pieces of land.

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origins of agriculture

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origins of agriculture , the active production of useful plants or animals in ecosystems that have been created by people. Agriculture has often been conceptualized narrowly, in terms of specific combinations of activities and organisms—wet-rice production in Asia , wheat farming in Europe , cattle ranching in the Americas, and the like—but a more holistic perspective holds that humans are environmental engineers who disrupt terrestrial habitats in specific ways. Anthropogenic disruptions such as clearing vegetation or tilling the soil cause a variety of localized changes; common effects include an increase in the amount of light reaching ground level and a reduction in the competition among organisms. As a result, an area may produce more of the plants or animals that people desire for food , technology , medicine , and other uses.

Over time, some plants and animals have become domesticated, or dependent on these and other human interventions for their long-term propagation or survival. Domestication is a biological process in which, under human selection, organisms develop characteristics that increase their utility, as when plants provide larger seeds, fruit , or tubers than their wild progenitors. Known as cultigens, domesticated plants come from a wide range of families (groups of closely related genera that share a common ancestor; see genus ). The grass ( Poaceae ), bean ( Fabaceae ), and nightshade or potato ( Solanaceae ) families have produced a disproportionately large number of cultigens because they have characteristics that are particularly amenable to domestication.

Domesticated animals tend to have developed from species that are social in the wild and that, like plants, could be bred to increase the traits that are advantageous for people. Most domesticated animals are more docile than their wild counterparts, and they often produce more meat , wool , or milk as well. They have been used for traction, transport, pest control, assistance, and companionship and as a form of wealth. Species with abundant domesticated varieties, or breeds, include the dog ( Canis lupus familiaris ), cat ( Felis catus ), cattle ( Bos species), sheep ( Ovis species), goat ( Capra species), swine ( Sus species), horse ( Equus caballus ), chicken ( Gallus gallus ), and duck and goose (family Anatidae ).

Because it is a cultural phenomenon, agriculture has varied considerably across time and space. Domesticated plants and animals have been (and continue to be) raised at scales ranging from the household to massive commercial operations. This article recognizes the wide range of activities that encompass food production and emphasizes the cultural factors leading to the creation of domesticated organisms. It discusses some of the research techniques used to discern the origins of agriculture as well as the general trajectory of agricultural development in the ancient societies of Southwest Asia , the Americas, East Asia , Southeast Asia , the Indian subcontinent , and Europe . For specific techniques of habitat alteration and plant propagation , see horticulture . For techniques of animal propagation, see livestock farming ; poultry farming .

Home — Essay Samples — Science — Agriculture

Essays on Agriculture

The importance of writing an essay on agriculture cannot be overstated. Agriculture is the backbone of our society, providing us with the food and resources we need to survive. By writing an essay on agriculture, you can help raise awareness about the importance of sustainable farming practices, the impact of climate change on food production, and the need for technological advancements in the agricultural industry.

When writing an essay on agriculture, it's important to first do thorough research on the topic. This may involve reading academic journals, interviewing experts in the field, and gathering data on current agricultural practices and trends. This research will provide you with the necessary information to make strong arguments and support your claims.

Additionally, it's important to consider the audience for your essay. Are you writing for a general audience or for a specific group of people, such as policymakers or farmers? Tailoring your writing to your audience will help ensure that your essay is relevant and impactful.

Another important tip for writing an essay on agriculture is to use clear and concise language. Avoid jargon and technical terms that may be difficult for the average reader to understand. Instead, focus on communicating your ideas in a straightforward manner that is accessible to a wide range of readers.

Finally, don't forget to include evidence to support your arguments. This may include statistics, case studies, and expert opinions. Providing evidence will help strengthen your essay and make it more persuasive.

The Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing agriculture today. Write an essay exploring the various ways in which climate change is affecting agriculture, including changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and the spread of pests and diseases. Discuss potential strategies for adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change on agriculture.

The Role of Technology in Modern Agriculture Advances in technology have revolutionized the way we produce food. In this essay, discuss the impact of technology on agriculture, including the use of precision farming techniques, drones and other aerial technologies, and the development of genetically modified organisms. Explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of these technological advancements on the agricultural industry.

Sustainable Agriculture Practices Sustainability is a growing concern in agriculture, as farmers and policymakers seek to minimize the environmental impact of food production. Write an essay discussing sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic farming, crop rotation, and integrated pest management. Explore the potential benefits of these practices for both the environment and the long-term viability of the agricultural industry.

The Importance of Soil Health in Agriculture Healthy soil is essential for productive and sustainable agriculture. In this essay, explore the role of soil health in agriculture, including the importance of soil conservation, the impact of soil degradation on crop yields, and the potential benefits of regenerative agriculture practices. Discuss potential strategies for improving and maintaining soil health on farms.

The Future of Agriculture: Urban Farming and Vertical Agriculture As the global population continues to grow, the demand for food is increasing, leading to new innovations in agricultural practices. Write an essay discussing the potential of urban farming and vertical agriculture to address food security and sustainability challenges. Explore the benefits and drawbacks of these alternative farming methods and their potential impact on the agricultural industry.

The Economics of Agriculture: Farm Subsidies and Trade Policies The agricultural industry is heavily influenced by government policies and international trade agreements. In this essay, explore the economic factors that shape agriculture, including the role of farm subsidies, tariffs, and trade barriers. Discuss the potential impact of these policies on farmers, consumers, and the global food supply.

The Ethical Considerations of Animal Agriculture The treatment of animals in the agricultural industry is a topic of growing concern. Write an essay exploring the ethical considerations of animal agriculture, including the use of factory farming practices, the treatment of livestock, and the impact of animal agriculture on the environment and public health. Discuss potential strategies for promoting ethical and sustainable practices in animal agriculture.

The Impact of Biotechnology on Agriculture Biotechnology has the potential to revolutionize the agricultural industry, from the development of genetically modified crops to the use of biotechnology in food processing and preservation. In this essay, explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of biotechnology in agriculture, including its impact on food security, environmental sustainability, and public health.

The Role of Women in Agriculture Women play a crucial role in agriculture, from farm labor and management to entrepreneurship and leadership. Write an essay discussing the contributions of women to the agricultural industry, including the challenges and opportunities they face. Explore potential strategies for promoting gender equality and empowering women in agriculture.

The Future of Agriculture: Sustainable Food Systems As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, food security, and environmental degradation, there is growing interest in developing sustainable food systems. In this essay, discuss the potential of sustainable food systems to address these challenges, including the role of regenerative agriculture, local food movements, and alternative food distribution models. Explore the potential benefits of sustainable food systems for both the environment and human health.

In , agriculture is a complex and multifaceted industry that intersects with numerous social, economic, and environmental issues. These essay topics provide a starting point for exploring the many dimensions of agriculture, from the impact of climate change and technological advancements to the ethical considerations of food production and the potential of sustainable food systems. By delving into these topics, students and researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the agricultural industry and contribute to the development of innovative solutions for a more sustainable and equitable food system.

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The Job of an Agricultural Mechanic

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Essay on Impact Of Technology On Agriculture

Students are often asked to write an essay on Impact Of Technology On Agriculture in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

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100 Words Essay on Impact Of Technology On Agriculture

Improving crop growth.

Technology helps farmers grow more food. Machines like tractors make preparing soil easy. Seeds are planted quickly with special tools. There are even computers that tell farmers the best time to plant. This means more crops can grow and people have plenty of food.

Protecting Plants from Pests

Pests can destroy crops, but technology fights them. There are apps that can spot harmful bugs. Farmers use this information to protect plants. They only spray chemicals where needed, which is safer for the environment.

Keeping Track of Farms

Drones fly over fields and take pictures. These images show which parts of the farm need more water or fertilizer. This helps farmers take care of their crops better and saves them time and money.

Climate and Weather

Technology predicts the weather accurately. Farmers know when it will rain or be too hot. They can plan when to water the plants or when to harvest. This way, bad weather does less harm to the crops.

Storing Food Properly

250 words essay on impact of technology on agriculture, technology makes farming easier.

Long ago, farmers had to work the land with their hands and simple tools. Now, machines do many tasks, making work faster and less tiring. Tractors plow fields in a day, which once took weeks. Machines also plant seeds and harvest crops. This means farmers can grow more food with less effort.

Better Crop Care with Technology

Technology helps farmers take care of plants better. There are special sensors that tell farmers how much water each plant needs. This way, not a single drop is wasted. Drones fly over fields to spot sick plants. Then, farmers can make them healthy before it’s too late. This helps to make sure more plants grow well and are ready to eat.

Keeping Track with Computers

Farmers use computers to keep an eye on their farms. They can see how much food they grow and how their animals are doing. Computers help them make smart choices. For example, they can find out the best time to sell their crops or when to buy new seeds.

Staying Safe from Bad Weather

Bad weather can destroy crops. But now, with new technology, farmers can be ready. They get weather reports on their phones and can protect their plants before storms hit. Some even use big covers to shield their crops from too much sun or rain.

In conclusion, technology has changed farming a lot. It makes growing food easier, helps farmers take better care of their plants, keeps track of farm details, and protects crops from bad weather. All this means we have more food on our tables every day.

500 Words Essay on Impact Of Technology On Agriculture

Introduction to technology in farming, better farming tools and machines.

One big change technology has brought to farming is better tools and machines. Before, farmers had to do a lot of hard work with their hands or use animals to help them. Now, there are machines like tractors, planters, and harvesters. These machines can do the work faster and save a lot of time. They can also be very precise, which means they make fewer mistakes, like planting seeds at the perfect depth in the soil.

Keeping Plants Healthy

Technology also helps farmers keep their plants healthy. There are special computers and apps that tell farmers when to water their plants or if a plant is sick. This is great because it means farmers can use less water and fewer chemicals, which is better for the earth. Drones, which are like small flying robots, can fly over fields and take pictures so farmers can see if all the plants are healthy or if some parts of the field need more care.

Understanding the Weather

Helping animals.

Farms that have animals also use technology. There are special collars for cows that can track where they go and how much they eat. This helps the farmer know if the cow is healthy. There are also machines that can help milk cows. This is good for the farmer because it saves time, and it’s good for the cows because the machines are gentle and keep everything clean.

Storing and Moving Food

After the food is grown, technology helps keep it fresh and gets it to the stores where we buy it. There are big refrigerators that can keep fruits and vegetables cold so they don’t spoil. There are also trucks and ships with special coolers that can move food from the farm to the store without it going bad.

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Environmental Impacts of Agricultural Modifications

With the human population soaring out of control, agriculture must follow suit. But the innovations that boost crop yields carry ecological costs.

Biology, Ecology, Chemistry, Conservation

Rice Fields in Bali

More than half the planet's suitable land has been cultivated for crops, like these terraced rice fields in Bali, Indonesia.

Photograph by Cyril Ruoso/NaturePL

Agricultural methods have intensified continuously ever since the Industrial Revolution, and even more so since the “green revolution” in the middle decades of the 20th century. At each stage, innovations in farming techniques brought about huge increases in crop yields by area of arable land. This tremendous rise in food production has sustained a global population that has quadrupled in size over the span of one century. As the human population continues to grow, so too has the amount of space dedicated to feeding it. According to World Bank figures, in 2016, more than 700 million hectares (1.7 billion acres) were devoted to growing corn, wheat, rice, and other staple cereal grains—nearly half of all cultivated land on the planet. In the coming decades, however, meeting the demand for accelerated agricultural productivity is likely to be far more difficult than it has been so far. The reasons for this have to do with ecological factors. Global climate change is destabilizing many of the natural processes that make modern agriculture possible. Yet modern agriculture itself is also partly responsible for the crisis in sustainability. Many of the techniques and modifications on which farmers rely to boost output also harm the environment. Below are brief descriptions of three ways intensive agriculture threatens the precarious balance of nonagricultural ecosystems. Irrigation Worldwide, agriculture accounts for 70 percent of human freshwater consumption. A great deal of this water is redirected onto cropland through irrigation schemes of varying kinds. Experts predict that to keep a growing population fed, water extraction may increase an additional 15 percent or more by 2050. Irrigation supports the large harvest yields that such a large population demands. Many of the world’s most productive agricultural regions, from California’s Central Valley to Southern Europe’s arid Mediterranean basin, have become economically dependent on heavy irrigation. Researchers and farmers alike are becoming increasingly aware of the consequences of this large-scale diversion of freshwater. One of the most obvious consequences is the depletion of aquifers , river systems, and downstream ground water. However, there are a number of other negative effects related to irrigation. Areas drenched by irrigation can become waterlogged , creating soil conditions that poison plant roots through anaerobic decomposition . Where water has been diverted, soils can accrue too much salt, also harming plant growth. Irrigation causes increases in water evaporation, impacting both surface air temperature and pressure as well as atmospheric moisture conditions. Recent studies have confirmed that cropland irrigation can influence rainfall patterns not only over the irrigated area but even thousands of miles away. Irrigation has also been connected to the erosion of coastlines and other kinds of long-term ecological and habitat destruction. Livestock Grazing A huge amount of agricultural territory is used primarily as pasture for cattle and other livestock. In the western United States, counting both federally managed and privately owned grazing lands, hundreds of millions of acres are set aside for this purpose—more than for any other type of land use. Agricultural livestock are responsible for a large proportion of global greenhouse gas emissions, most notably methane. In addition, overgrazing is a major problem regarding environmental sustainability. In some places, stretches of forage land are consumed so extensively that grasses are unable to regenerate. The root systems of native vegetation can be damaged so much that the species die off. Near streambeds and in other riparian areas where cattle concentrate, the combination of overgrazing and fecal wastes can contaminate or compromise water sources. Cattle and other large grazing animals can even damage soil by trampling on it. Bare, compacted land can bring about soil erosion and destruction of topsoil quality due to the runoff of nutrients. These and other impacts can destabilize a variety of fragile ecosystems and wildlife habitats. Chemical Fertilizer Synthetic fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus have been at the heart of the intensified farming from World War II to the present day. Modern agriculture has become heavily dependent on these chemical inputs, which have increased the number of people the world’s farms can feed. They are particularly effective in the growing of corn, wheat, and rice, and are largely responsible for the explosive growth of cereal cultivation in recent decades. China, with its rapidly growing population, has become the world’s leading producer of nitrogen fertilizers. While these chemicals have helped double the rate of food production, they have also helped bring about a gigantic increase, perhaps as high as 600 percent, of reactive nitrogen levels throughout the environment. The excess levels of nitrogen and phosphorus have caused the once-beneficial nutrients to become pollutants. Roughly half the nitrogen in synthetic fertilizers escapes from the fields where it is applied, finding its way into the soil, air, water, and rainfall. After soil bacteria convert fertilizer nitrogen into nitrates, rainstorms or irrigation systems carry these toxins into groundwater and river systems. Accumulated nitrogen and phosphorus harm terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems by loading them with too many nutrients, a process known as eutrophication . Nutrient pollution is a causal factor in toxic algae blooms affecting lakes in China, the United States, and elsewhere. As excessive amounts of organic matter decompose in aquatic environments, they can bring about oxygen depletion and create “dead zones” within bodies of water, where nothing can survive. Parts of the Gulf of Mexico are regularly afflicted in this manner. Nitrogen accumulation in water and on land threatens biodiversity and the health of native plant species and natural habitats. In addition, fertilizer application in soil leads to the formation and release of nitrous oxide, one of the most harmful greenhouse gases. With the global population continuing to skyrocket, the tension will continue to grow between continued agricultural growth and the ecological health of the land upon which humans depend.

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Agriculture, the backbone of food security and a significant sector in many economies, encompasses a wide range of topics including crop cultivation, livestock rearing, and agricultural technology. Essays could delve into the evolution of agricultural practices, the impact of modern technology on agricultural productivity, and the sustainability challenges facing contemporary agriculture. Discussions might also explore the socio-economic dimensions of agriculture, including the role of smallholder farmers, agricultural policies, and the impact of global trade on local agricultural sectors. The critical examination of pressing issues such as climate change, land degradation, and water scarcity in the context of agriculture can shed light on the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices. Moreover, discussions on the intersection of agriculture with cultural practices, community livelihoods, and global food systems can provide a comprehensive understanding of the multi-dimensional aspects of agriculture and its significant role in societal well-being. We’ve gathered an extensive assortment of free essay samples on the topic of Agriculture you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

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1.1 SYSTEM DEFINITION AND HIERARCHY 1.2 GENERAL SYSTEMS CLASSIFICATION 1.3 AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS CLASSIFICATION AND ORDER HIERARCHY 1.4 STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF THE FARM-HOUSEHOLD SYSTEM 1.5 STRUCTURAL MODEL OF A FARM-HOUSEHOLD SYSTEM 1.6 REFERENCES

'For an understanding, not only the elements but their interrelations as well are required.' Ludwig von Bertalanffy (1973)

1.2.1 Natural, social and artificial systems 1.2.2 Further sub-classification of systems

(a) Natural systems - those that exist in Nature - consist of all the materials (both physical and biological) and interrelated processes occurring to these materials which constitute the world and, inter alia, provide the physical basis for life. They exist independent of mankind. Our role in relation to natural systems is to try to understand them and, as need be, make use of them. We also (increasingly) attempt to duplicate them, in part or whole; but at this point they become, by definition, man-made or artificial systems. These fundamental natural systems remain unaffected by attempts at imitation. Those natural physical and biological systems (shown in their totality as the division of natural systems in Figure 1.1) which are relevant to agriculture will be self-apparent: rock weathering to form soil; plants sustained by such soil; animals sustained by such plants ... are examples of the outward forms of agriculturally relevant natural systems in operation. (b) Social systems are more difficult to define. Essentially they consist of the entities forming animate populations, the institutions or social mechanisms created by such entities, and the interrelationships among/between individuals, groups, communities, expressed directly or through the medium of institutions. Social systems involve relationships between animate populations (individuals, groups, communities), not between things. Concern here is with human social systems as they relate to or impinge upon farming, and the term social system is used broadly to include institutions and relationships of an economic, social, religious or political nature. There is a certain degree of ambiguity in defining social systems. As an example, the law of property is in its essence a social system. Insofar as it is viewed as consisting of concepts, principles and rules, it is a pure social system, independent of natural systems. But its existence also presupposes the existence of property, including natural physical things, some of which exist as systems. To this extent, as a social system the law of property is dependent on or subordinate to natural systems. (c) Artificial systems do not exist in Nature. They are of human creation to serve human purposes. All artificial systems, including agricultural systems, are constructed from either or both of two kinds of elements: (a) elements taken from either or both of the other two higher-level orders of systems at division level, i.e., from natural and social systems, and (b) from elements which are constructed or proposed for specific use by each respective artificial system as the need for this arises.

· Explicit systems are those in which the constituent elements are more or less closely identified and defined, and the relationships among these elements are stated formally in quantitative, usually mathematical, terms. Agricultural scientists and economists who work with farmers are concerned mainly with explicit systems of Order Levels 1 to 10 as specified in Figure 1.2. But farmers themselves will seldom be concerned with explicit systems - only with systems of a simpler kind, or only with selected parts of such systems. · Implicit systems are systems in which only the main or critical elements are acknowledged and only the major or immediately relevant interrelationships are considered. However, these elements and relationships are not formally recorded, analysed or evaluated. Farmers themselves deal primarily with implicit systems. In both traditional and more modem societies particular agricultural systems of Order Levels 1 to 10 are implied in what farmers do, or deliberately do not do. In more 'advanced' societies, farmers might formalize and work with a few explicit systems or parts of systems (farm record books, simple crop budgets, household expenditure accounts) but here also most agro-management systems will exist by implication.

· Descriptive systems are usually intended to facilitate an understanding of the organization, structure or operation of a productive process. This might be their sole purpose; e.g., a farmer might construct a simple input-output budget table in order to learn the structural configurations of some potential new crop. Depending on the results of this, he or she might then proceed to construct a more detailed budget (an operational system) to find how best to fit this new crop into his or her farm plan. At higher Order Levels an organogram describing the administrative structure of a ministry of agriculture or of an extension service might be constructed or the flowchart of a commodity from farm to consumer might be drawn - these also are descriptive systems. · Operational systems are constructed (by an analyst or manager or research worker) as a basis for taking or recommending action aimed at improving the performance of the system. Such systems are often elaborate (as exemplified in Chapters 9 and 11). However, increased precision is not infrequently achieved at the cost of decreased practical usefulness. Thus farm managers themselves work primarily with simple operational systems, although the actual physical systems which these represent may be very complex.

· Purposeful or non-purposeful depending on whether or not they can select goals and the means by which to achieve them. · Static or dynamic depending on whether or not they change over time in response to internal or external influences. · Open or closed depending on whether or not they interact with their environment. · Abstract or concrete depending on whether or not they are conceptual or physical in nature. · Deterministic or stochastic depending on whether or not their behaviour exhibits randomness over time, i.e., their future behaviour is uncertain.

1.3.1 Nature of farm-level systems 1.3.2 Village-level farming systems

· Order Level 1: Uni-dimensional process systems. Systems of this lowest order are of an agro-technical nature. They involve an issue or problem which for purposes of analysis or management is abstracted from the context in which it naturally or normally occurs. One example is the application of a single fertilizer element, say nitrogen ( N ), to a crop and consequent plant response to N in terms of crop yield Y. As noted previously, systems of this order are primarily the domain of physical scientists, but those systems which have practical relevance for farmers thereby also have an economic dimension and so fall within the scope of farm economics. Such simple single-dimensional systems are later examined as processes (Chapter 5) and as input-output response relationships (Chapter 8). · Order Level 2: Multi-dimensional process systems. Systems of this second order are also concerned with limited agro-technical relationships and again they are primarily the domain of physical scientists. They differ from Order Level 1 systems in that they take - or are defined to take - a wider and more realistic view of a subject or problem. To use the same example of fertilizer response: at Order Level 2 an agro-technical system might involve the response of plant growth or yield Y to not one but to several or a large number of input factors such as nitrogen, phosphorous, irrigation water, crop hygiene, soil tilth etc. These multi-dimensional systems also are later examined as processes (Chapter 5) and as response relationships (Chapter 8). Order Level 2 systems can be viewed as aggregations (often interactive) of constituent Order Level 1 systems. · Order Level 3: Enabling-activity systems. Systems of this order are certain enabling activities which generate an intermediate product intended for use as an input/resource by enterprises which do produce a final product. An example is offered by a legume crop turned under to provide fertility for a following (final product-generating) paddy crop. There will often be alternative ways of obtaining this resource: e.g., stripping leaves off leguminous trees, keeping cattle for their manure, or buying a bag of fertilizer. These are all enabling, resource-generating activities but only some of them, the complex ones, warrant designation as systems. They are intended to supply resources to systems of Order Levels 4 and 6. · Order Level 4: Crop systems. Systems of this order relate to the production of individual crops; but if these are primarily intended to produce inputs for other crops or livestock, they are regarded as systems of Order Level 3. On many small farms, crop and livestock enterprises produce both final products and resources (as discussed in the context of activities in Chapters 3, 4 and 9). · Order Level 5: All crop systems. Systems of this order, known also as cropping systems, refer to the combined system of all the individual crops on a farm. On a farm with a single mono-crop, this Order Level 5 system will obviously be equivalent to an Order Level 3 system; but on small mixed farms there will usually be four, five, six or more different crops (of Order Levels 3 and 4) grown in some degree of combination and as many as 20 or more on the highly diversified forest-garden farms of South Asia. · Order Level 6: Animal systems. These systems relate to single-species animal enterprises or activities - e.g., dairy cows, camels, fish, ducks. They are the animal equivalent of Order Level 4 (i.e., individual crop) systems. · Order Level 7: All animal systems. These systems are the aggregation of all Order Level 6 (sub)systems on a farm. Known as livestock systems , they are the animal equivalent of Order Level 5 (i.e., all crop) systems. · Order Level 8: Resource pool. This subsystem is a conceptual device for farm-system planning in which resources and fixed-capital services required by other subsystems are 'stored' in a 'resource pool' from which they are allocated to the other subsystems (of Order Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6). The resource pool is central to operation of the whole farm-household system. It is discussed in Chapter 3. · Order Level 9: Farm service matrix. A system of this Order Level consists of all the fixed capital resources of a farm which are pertinent to the operation of the farm as a whole but are not assigned to the exclusive use of any particular enterprise or activity: land, fences, barns, irrigation channels and work oxen are common examples. Some of these capital items are true (sub)systems, having interdependence among their component parts (as in an irrigation storage/delivery/distribution network, a grain drying facility, an integrated network of soil conservation structures etc.). Some are only things (e.g., fences, a plough, a barn). But, in its totality, such capital is managed and manipulated as a system for the purpose of providing general services which, while not specific to them, enable the functioning of lower Order Level systems of the farm. This service matrix is discussed in Chapter 5. · Order Level 10: Whole-farm systems. Systems of this Order Level consist of all the lower Order Level (sub)systems which go to make up a farm. They consolidate in a single entity all the farm fixed capital, all the operating capital, all the final-product enterprises, all the activities and all the agro-technical processes which underlie such enterprises and activities. Structuring and managing systems of this Order Level are the main tasks or focus of farm management as carried out, on the one hand, by farmers and as investigated, on the other hand, by farm management economists in their professional capacity of providing advice to farm managers, development agencies and governments. The terms farm system and farming system are often used interchangeably. Here the practice is to use farm system to refer to the structure of an individual farm, and farming system to refer to broadly similar farm types in specific geographical areas or recommendation domains, e.g., the wet paddy farming system of West Java or the grain-livestock fanning systems of Sind. · Order Level 11: Household systems. On small farms the household itself is the most dynamic and complex of all farm-level systems, although it is a social system not an agricultural one. It dominates the agricultural systems which comprise the farm component. It has two functions: as household it provides purpose and management to the farm component, and as major system beneficiary it receives and allocates system outputs to itself and other beneficiaries. · Order Level 12: Farm-household systems. These consist of two components or (sub)systems of Order Levels 10 and 11, i.e., the whole-farm system and its associated household system, respectively. The term is a very useful if not mandatory one when used to refer to the small farms of Asia. It carries an insistence that the technical analysis discussed in following chapters will amount to nothing at all unless it is applied to achieving the real needs and aspirations of the household - which, as discussed in Chapter 6, might be quite a different thing from evaluating the performance of a farm system according to the subjective or preconceived ideas of agricultural technicians and economists (Chambers and Ghildyal 1985; Rhoades and Booth 1982). As the peak farm-level system, the farm-household system may be described in system terms as a goal-setting (i.e., purposeful) open stochastic dynamic system with a major aim of production from agricultural resources. These attributes are sufficient to make it also a complex system. The purposefulness of a farm-household system is ensured by its human and social involvement which enables the system to vary its goals and their means of achievement under a given environment. The openness of the farm-household system is obvious from its physical, economic and social interaction with its environment. The non-deterministic or stochastic nature of the farm-household system is guaranteed both by the free-choice capacity of its human (and, if present, animal) elements and by the stochastic nature of the environment with which it (and all its subsystems) interacts. Necessarily, a farm-household system is also dynamic by virtue of its purposefulness, openness and stochasticity which ensure that the system changes over time. Too, any farm-household system is a mixture of abstract and concrete elements or subsystems. The concrete elements are associated with the physical activities and processes that occur in the system. The abstract elements relate to the managerial and social aspects of the system.

· Order Level 13: Village-community systems. Village-level systems or community systems in some situations replace all or part of individual farm-household systems. Three situations are common. First, some production activity in its entirety, including the operation of whole farms as production units, may be on a formal cooperative or group basis. Second, only part of an activity might be carried on by individual farmers while critical parts of it (such as land preparation, the supply of inputs, harvesting and/or marketing) are the responsibility of a formal farmers' club or cooperative. Third, and most difficult to analyse, is the situation found in many Indonesian villages where informal and temporary groups form to perform certain production tasks in common (such as land preparation, irrigation and/or harvesting) then disband and re-form to do different tasks on different crops, with membership continuously changing as individuals drop in and out of groups according to their interests, needs and mutual obligations. In a village there might be 10, 20 or 30 such 'cooperatives', though none might exist officially. Other examples are offered by the semi-nomadic livestock farmers of West Asia who sometimes operate as individual households and sometimes as members of a collective. In all these situations the boundaries of individual units are often so fluid and obscure that the focus for productive analysis has to be the group or village community. (Nevertheless, much externally sponsored farm-development planning remains locked into the mythology of agricultural individualism; perhaps that is why on the small farms of Asia it has borne so little and often poisonous fruit.)

1. Boundaries *2. Household 3. Operating plan *4. Production-enabling resources: the resource pool *5. Final product-generating enterprises *6. Resource-generating activities *7. Agro-technical processes * 8. Whole-farm service matrix 9. Structural (interdependence) coefficients 10. Time dimension.

1. Boundaries: This first element, the boundaries of the farm-household system, set it apart from other systems and from the world at large. These boundaries are provided partly by the structural characteristics of the particular type of farm (Chapter 2), and partly by the purpose of analysis, i.e., to some extent they are subjective and relate to more than the simple physical boundary of the farm. Boundaries are discussed in Chapter 3. 2. Household: As previously noted, the household plays two roles: first, it provides purpose and management to its associated farm system and, second, it is the major beneficiary of its associated farm system. Its role as beneficiary is discussed in Chapter 3. In its first role it provides purpose, operating objectives and management to the farm component of the farm-household system according to its broad domestic and social goals. Obviously these goals vary widely with culture, tradition and the degree of commercialisation and external influences to which the household is exposed. However, one would probably be not too far wrong in offering a generalization that the primary economic goal on most small farms (Types 1, 2, 3 of Chapter 2) is security and the primary non-economic goal is social acceptance (Clayton 1983, Ch. 4). If this is correct, the primary objectives for the farm are, first, production of a low-risk sustainable subsistence for primary system beneficiaries; second, generation of a cash income to meet needs not directly met in the form of food and other farm-produced materials; and third, pursuit of both of these in ways which are not in conflict with local culture and tradition. Goals, objectives and planning criteria are discussed in Chapter 6. 3. Operating plan: The above objectives are pursued through preparation and execution of a farm operating plan. The core of this may be taken as selection of the best possible mix of agro-technical processes, activities, enterprises and fixed capital (systems of Order Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8). Formulation of operating plans is discussed in Chapter 9. 4. Resource pool: This element was noted above as a system of Order Level 8 central to the management of other subsystems within the farm system. It is discussed in Chapter 3. 5. Final product-generating enterprises: These were noted as systems of Order Levels 5 and 7 in the previous section and are discussed in Chapter 4 and Section 9.3. 6. Resource-generating activities: These also were previously discussed as systems of Order Level 3. They are intended to supplement or entirely supply the resource pool as discussed in Sections 4 4.1 and 9.3.1. 7. Agro-technical processes: These were defined above as systems of Order Levels 1 and 2. Processes may be of a biological or mechanical kind. They are a shorthand designation of all the potentially complex and interrelated physical and biological factors underlying production from crop or livestock species, only some of which may be economically relevant. They are discussed in Chapter 5. 8. Whole-farm service matrix: This was discussed previously as a system of Order Level 9. It is further examined in Chapter 5. 9. System structural coefficients: These coefficients identify and quantify linkage relationships (a) among the various parts or elements within each subsystem and (b) between subsystems. From the general system definition, an essential property of any system is that there be interrelatedness between its parts. In farm-household systems (and in subordinate subsystems of lesser Order Level, particularly Order Levels 4 and 6) such interrelatedness is specified by these coefficients. They are discussed in Chapter 5. 10. Time dimension: Unlike mechanical systems which stamp out buttons or TV sets, agricultural systems rest on biological processes which occur over considerable periods of time - from, e.g., a few days in the case of quick-response agricides to 70 or more years in the case of growth and decline of a coconut palm. Agricultural systems are thus inherently stochastic: being dependent on the passage of time, ex ante, their outcomes are uncertain. Moreover, because agriculture is also a set of economic activities, the old adage applies: time is money. Other things being equal, a system which yields its product or ties up resources over a short time is better than one which yields its output or occupies resources over a long time. Strictly speaking, time is not a system component; rather it is a dimension in which the system operates. The time dimension in relation to resource use is discussed in Section 3.3.4 and in relation to farm planning in Section 9.1. The evaluation of activities which occur over long time periods is examined in Chapters 10 and 11. The latter chapter also considers uncertainty as it occurs in farm planning and decision making. Also important from a time perspective are the sustainability and environmental compatibility of the farm system being used. If, over time, the farm system is not biologically and economically sustainable or causes resource degradation, as discussed in Sections 6.2.7 and 8, this is to the disadvantage of both the farm household and society at large.

Agricultural Systems ( CIE IGCSE Geography )

Revision note.

Geography Lead

Agricultural Systems

• To obtain food humans use and modify the ecosystems through farming
• Arable and pastoral
• Commercial and subsistence
• Extensive and intensive
• Nomadic and sedentary
• A farm that has both livestock and grows crops is a mixed farm

Factors influencing the type of agriculture

Farming systems

• All farms are systems, they have inputs, processes and outputs

A Farming System

Impacts of farming systems

• All farming systems impact the ecosystem in which they are located
• Monocultures which reduce diversity because the animals have no access to a wide range of foods
• When nutrient cycling is often dependent on fertilisers added to the soil, this may be natural (manure) or artificial fertilisers
• When the ecosystem is modified with inputs of seed, fertiliser, pesticides, herbicides and the use of machines
• Where food webs are reduced
• Reducing the amount of biomass

Remember farms do fit into more than one category. For example, a sheep farm in Cumbria. UK would be categorised as arable, commercial, extensive and sedentary. 

Worked example

Insert the following words into the table below to show examples of inputs, processes and outputs of a mixed farm., choose from the words below.

milk                              wheat                        harvesting

ploughing                          water                          pesticides

Case Study: Sheep Farming

• The relief of the land in Cumbria limits the type of farming
• Lowland areas are used for cattle grazing and limited amounts of crops
• Sheep farming dominates, with approximately 3 million sheep farmed in the area
• An example of extensive, commercial, pastoral and sedentary farming

Characteristics

• The fell - these are the hills over 300m and is used for grazing
• The intake - the lower slopes which are divided into fields
• The inbye - land close to the farm buildings used to bring the sheep in for lambing and shearing. Some crops may also be grown here for animal feed (turnips/hay)
• Inputs can be divided into physical and human

• Monitoring the sheep
• Dipping - to reduce parasites and maggots
• Lambs are bred for meat and sent for slaughter before they are 1 year (usually 6-8 months)
• Wool from shearing (this often costs more than the farmer gets for the fleece)
• Mutton - this is meat from sheep over 1 year
• Hill sheep farming is often not profitable, and farmers rely upon subsidies or diversification
• Disease - foot and mouth outbreaks . In 2001 nearly 500,000 sheep had to be killed to prevent further spread of the disease
• Fuel, machinery and feed costs have all increased 
• Lamb prices fluctuate depending on the market and this affects income
• Wool prices average about 32p for a kilo this is less than the cost of shearing the sheep so shearing costs the farmer money
• Fewer people want to become sheep farmers 
• Since leaving the EU, the UK is intending to phase out subsidies and replace them with payments for environmental work
• Many sheep farmers are diversifying into areas such as campsites and holiday cottages
• Conversion to organic such as Low Sizergh Farm in South Cumbria can increase profits as people pay more for organic meat and wool
• Farmers taking on additional jobs and farming part time
• Changing of breeds to those that shed their fleece and don't require shearing though this may not be suitable for the upland areas

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Author: Bridgette

After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.

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Indian Agriculture: Farming Types, Features and Challenges

Last updated on October 31, 2023 by ClearIAS Team

India has one of the largest plain areas of the world-the Indo-Gangetic plain which is immensely fertile.

India has varieties of climatic conditions and soil types .

These physical variations along with factors like availability of irrigation, use of machinery, modern agricultural inputs like High Yielding Varieties (HYV) of seeds, insecticides, and pesticides have played their important roles in the evolution of different farming practices in the Indian agriculture sector.

Table of Contents

Types of farming in India

Some of the major types of farming are discussed below.

i) Subsistence farming:

The majority of farmers in India practice subsistence farming- farming for their consumption. The entire production is largely consumed by the farmers and their families and they do not have any surplus to sell in the market.

In this type of farming, landholdings are small and fragmented; cultivation techniques are primitive and simple. There is a total absence of modern equipment like tractors and farm inputs like chemical fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides. In this farming, farmers mostly cultivate cereals along with oilseeds, pulses, vegetables, and sugarcane.

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Subsistence farming is further classified into:

Primitive subsistence agriculture is practised on patches of land with the help of primitive tools like simple digging tools and community or family labour. This type of farming is monsoon depended along with the fertility of the soil and other environmental conditions. Examples of such types are shifting agriculture and nomadic herding.

• Shifting agriculture is practised in thickly forested regions like the Amazon basin, tropical Africa, parts of southeast Asia, and northeast India. These areas receive heavy rainfall hence the vegetation regenerates quickly.
• A patch of land is cleared by felling if tress and burning them. The ashes are then mixed with the soil and crops like maize, yam, potatoes, and cassava are grown. The land is abandoned once fertility is reduced.
• nomadic herding is practised in the semi-arid and arid regions of Sahara, Central Asia, and some parts of India like Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir.
• Herdsmen move from place to place with their animals for fodder and water, along defined routes and such movement arises due to seasonal changes. Animals like sheep, camel, yak, and goats are most commonly reared.

Intensive subsistence agriculture is done on small lands with simple tools and more labour. The produce is enough for local consumption and to be sold outside. The sunny climate and fertile soil for most of the year permit the cultivation of more than one crop annually on the same plot. Rice, wheat, maize, pulses, and oilseeds are generally cultivated.

ii) Intensive and Extensive farming

The basic difference between these two types of farming is the amount of production per unit of land. In comparison with temperate areas of the USA, Canada, India do not practice extensive cultivation.

When a large patch of land is used for cultivation then we call it extensive farming. Here, total production may be high due to the larger area but per unit are production is low.

Intensive Farming records high production per unit of land. An example of intensive cultivation is in Kerala where the availability of land for cultivation is very limited.

iii) Commercial farming

It is just the opposite of subsistence farming as most of the produce is sold in the market for earning money. In this system, farmers use inputs like irrigation, chemical fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, High Yielding Varieties of seeds, etc.

Some of the major commercial crops grown in different parts of India are cotton , jute, sugarcane, groundnut, etc.

Rice farming in Harayana is mainly for commercial purposes as people of this area are predominantly wheat eaters. However, in East and North-Eastern states of India, rice cultivation would be large of subsistence type.

iv) Plantation Farming:

In this type, a single cash crop is grown for sale in national and international markets. This type of agriculture involves the growing and processing of a single cash crop purely meant for sale.

Tea, coffee, rubber, banana, and spices are all examples of plantation crops. Most of these crops were introduced in India by the Britishers in the 19th Century

v) Mixed Farming:

When both raising crops and rearing animals are carried on simultaneously it is called mixed farming. Farmers engaged in mixed farming have economical advantages as well.

All classifications are based on the nature and purpose of farming hence they may overlap in some cases. For example, Banana is a plantation type of farming but can also be classified as commercial farming.

Features of Indian Agriculture

Subsistence Agriculture : Most parts of India have subsistence agriculture which has been practised in India for several hundreds of years and still prevails.

The pressure of population on Agriculture : Despite the increase in urbanization and industrialization, about 70% of the population is still directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture.

Mechanization in agriculture: Even after more than forty years of the Green Revolution and revolution in agricultural machinery and equipment, complete mechanization is still not achieved.

Monsoon dependency: Despite the large-scale expansion, only about one-third of the total cropped area is irrigated today. As a consequence, two-thirds of cropped areas are still dependent upon the monsoon.

Variety of crops: Since India has both tropical and temperate climates, crops of both climates are found in India. There are very few countries in the world that have variety comparable to that of India. You would realize that when we would discuss the different types of crops in detail.

The predominance of food crops: The production of food crops is the priority of the farmers almost everywhere in the country.

Seasonal patterns: India has three distinct agricultural/cropping seasons- Kharif, rabi, and Zaid. In India, there are specific crops grown in these three seasons. For example, rice is a Kharif crop whereas wheat is a rabi crop.

Challenges for Indian Agriculture

The challenges faced by Indian agriculture can be broadly grouped into two categories- the long-standing problems and the emerging issues from the prevailing agricultural practices, system, changing climate, and economy.

Stagnation in Production of Major Crops: Production of some of the major staple food crops like rice and wheat has been stagnating for quite some time. This is a situation that is worrying our agricultural scientists, planners, and policymakers as it creates a huge gap between the demand of the ever-growing population and the production.

High cost of Farm Inputs: Farm inputs include fertilizer, insecticide, pesticides, HYV seeds, farm labour cost, etc. Such an increase puts low and medium-land-holding farmers at a disadvantage.

Soil Exhaustion: Green revolution has played a positive role in reducing hunger in India but has negative consequences also. One of which is Soil exhaustion which means the loss of nutrients in the soil from farming the same crop over and over again.

Ground Water depletion: The second negative consequence of the green revolution is the depletion of fresh groundwater. Most of the irrigation in dry areas of Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh was carried out by excessive use of groundwater. Today fresh groundwater situation in these states is alarming.

Global Climatic Change: It has been predicted that climate change’s impact on Indian agriculture would be immense. It is predicted that due to climate change, the temperature would increase, leading to an increase in sea level, more intense cyclones, unpredictable rainfall, etc. These changes would adversely affect the production of rice and wheat. Specifically, a rise in temperature in winter would affect the production of wheat in north India. Production of rice would be affected in coastal areas of India due to the ingress of saline water and an increase in the frequency of cyclones.

Impact of Globalisation : All developing countries have been affected by globalization. The most evident effect is the reduction in farmers’ income and the threat to the viability of cultivation in India. This is due to the rising input costs and falling output prices. This reflects the combination of reduced subsidy and protection to farmers. Trade liberalization exposes these farmers to competition from highly subsidized production in the developed world.

Providing Food Security: Before the introduction of the green revolution in India, we were not self-sufficient in terms of our food grain production. But last few decades agriculture is not growing with the increasing population and to ensure food security factors like accessibility, affordability as well nutritional value of the food available should be catered to.

Farmers Suicides: The farmer suicides appear concentrated in regions of high commercialization of Indian agriculture and very high peasant debt. Cash crop farmers seemed far more vulnerable than those growing food crops. Commercialization of the countryside along with a massive decline in investment in agriculture was the beginning of the decline. Privatization of many resources has also compounded the problems.

Indian Agriculture: Important Facts

The Economic Survey of India 2020-21 report stated that in FY20:

• The total food grain production in the country was recorded at 296.65 million tonnes (up by 11.44 million tonnes compared with 285.21 million tonnes in FY19).
• The government has set a target to buy 42.74 million tonnes from the central pool in FY21; this is 10% more than the quantity purchased in FY20.
• For FY22, the government has set a record target for farmers to raise food grain production by 2% with 307.31 million tonnes of food grains.
• In FY21, production was recorded at 303.34 million tonnes against a target of 301 million tonnes
• Gross Value Added (GVA) by agriculture, forestry, and fishing was estimated at Rs. 19.48 lakh crore in FY20.
• The share of agriculture and allied sectors in GVA of India at current prices stood at 17.8 % in FY20.
• Consumer spending in India will return to growth in 2021 post the pandemic-led contraction, expanding by as much as 6.6%.

Also read:  Agriculture export policy

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Essay on Agriculture

Agriculture is a very common word which is used almost by everyone. When we talk about agriculture than the very first thing that strikes our brain is, it must be something that is related to farming and farmers. But this thought limits the aspects of agriculture. Agriculture does not only mean the procedure of cropping instead it means much more.

Short and Long Essays on Agriculture in English

Here I have provided you with three different essays that are different in length. With the help of these essays, you will be able to know almost all the aspects of agriculture.

Agriculture Essay 10 Lines (100 – 150 Words)

1) Agriculture is the process of producing crops and rearing animals for gaining profit.

2) Agriculture provides occupation to a huge Indian population.

3) The contributor to India’s more than 15% GDP is agriculture.

4) Agriculture is the occupation that gives us crops to eat.

5) Fruits, pulses, oil, vegetables, etc things are obtained through agriculture.

6) Agriculture also provides us with leather, cotton, wool, and other animal products.

7) Shifting cultivation, dairy farming, grain farming, fruit farming, etc are some types of agriculture.

8) The use of pesticides in agriculture reduces soil fertility.

9) Agriculture is also a contributor to environmental pollution.

10) Agriculture can reduce starvation, poverty, and can raise employment to some extent.

Essay 1 (250 Words) – Meaning and Importance of Agriculture

Introduction

Agriculture is one of the most important aspects of everyone’s life. It is something that is necessary for the survival of each and every human being. Along with being a necessity, it also helps in the economy of the country.

Agriculture has been derived from two different Latin words, ‘ager’ and ‘cultura’ where ager means ‘field’ and cultura means ‘growing or cultivation’. So the literal meaning of agriculture is the ‘cultivation of fields’.

Agriculture is the process of practicing farming including cultivation of the soil for growing crops, rearing animals, and producing other products such as wool, oil, etc.

Importance of Agriculture

Agriculture plays a vital role in living life. It is impossible for one to sustain his/her life without agriculture as it gives the most usable products of human life such as food, fruits, oil, etc.

The most important aspect of agriculture for human beings is to provide food for people. As we all know that food is the most important thing for the survival, nothing comes before food when it comes to sustaining life, and food is a very important part for everyone’s livelihood, so we can say that agriculture is particularly important because it is our main source of the food supply. It is also the backbone of our economic system. Agriculture not only provides food and raw materials but also employment opportunities to a large proportion of the population.

Agriculture plays a very vital role in our life. Without agriculture, the existence of human beings is not possible as it is the main source of our food supply to sustain on the earth and it also helps to grow our economy across the world.

Essay 2 (400 Words) – Types and Impact of Agriculture

We feel gratitude when we hear the word “agriculture”. Without agriculture, it is not possible to feed ourselves. Our farmers work so hard in the agriculture sector to feed us. They also help to prevent future attacks on us or our neighbor country for food. Our farmers stand for us in any situation by giving food to the world.

Types of Agriculture

There are many types of agriculture; here we will see all the types point-wise and in details:

• Grain Farming

Grain farming is the process of planting a variety of crops which is later harvested at the end of the season. The seeds of the crops are later refined for use. Grains are basically the seeds of the crops planted. In this farming, people from the same family can work on a small piece of land. Grain farming is done for providing food to animals and human beings.

• Shifting Cultivation

As the word shifting has been used, this cultivation is shifted from one place to another. In this cultivation, farmers use a small piece of land for a temporary time and then leave it to abandon until and unless the land gets its fertility back naturally.

• Gardening and Fruit Farming

In gardening and fruit farming, fruits and vegetables are produced on a large scale from a commercial point of view. It requires fewer resources and laborers as compared to grain farming and shifting cultivation.

• Pastoral Nomads

Here pastoral means sheep herding. This is a kind of agriculture that is based on the herding of domesticated animals.

• Dairy Farming

Dairy farming is related to the prolonged production of milk. This procedure is done for producing products like sweets, chocolates, curd, cheese, etc.

Few other types of agriculture are:

• Mediterranean agriculture
• Livestock ranching
• Plantation farming
• Mixed crop and livestock

Environmental Impact of Agriculture

Agriculture has many impacts on the environment. Even if it is very important for sustaining life, it also has some bad effects on the environment. We will see a few impacts one by one point wise:

• The pesticides and fertilizers used in agriculture cause pollution.
• Waterlogging and pesticide contamination causes soil degradation.
• Deforestation is also taking place as the forests are being transformed into agricultural land.
• Poor agriculture also leads to climate change.

Agriculture is a very important aspect of each and everyone’s life. It is impossible to feed human beings without the help of agriculture. There are many types of agriculture such as grain farming, shifting cultivation, dairy farming, etc. There are some bad impacts of agriculture on our environments such as manures and fertilizers cause pollution, soil loses its fertility and many more.

Essay 3 (500 – 600 Words) – Benefits and Issues Faced in Agriculture

If we generally talk about agriculture then it means that agriculture is related to harvesting and cropping. But in economics the meaning of agriculture is little different, here it does not only mean harvesting or cropping instead it also includes animal husbandry, dairy farming, poultry, fishing, and forestry.

Agriculture in India

No one can deny the fact that agriculture is the backbone of our nation. In the world, India is the second-largest producer of various agricultural products like rice, wheat, sugarcane, etc. It produces more than 280 million tonnes, which contribute more than 15% of India’s GDP [Gross Domestic Product]. Farmers play a vital role in uplifting the economy of India because agriculture forms more than 70% of India’s export capacity.

If we had our food today then we should be heartily thankful to the farmers of our nation. India’s farmers are the most dedicated peasants towards their duties. This is the reason because of which our former prime minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri termed a coin saying “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”. The way soldiers of our nation protect our country from enemy attacks, in the same way; farmers of our country feed us daily.

Issues Faced in the Agriculture

Farmers have to face many problems during agriculture. Few of the major problems are discussed below:

• Instability

As we know that in India, agriculture depends upon the monsoon. Being dependent on the weather condition, area, and yield, the production of crops is liable to substantial variations from year to year in this way the production becomes unstable.

• Land Ownership

In, land ownership, a piece of land is owned by a person. The owner of the land gives his piece of land to poor farmers for cultivation and they charge the cost of their land from the poor farmers.

• Subdivision and Fragmentation of Land Holding

When division takes place among the families then the pots also get divided between the family members. These scattered pieces of land increase the cost of agriculture management and make the agricultural occupation uneconomical.

• Land Tenure

In the procedure of land tenure, a large piece of land is owned by a person and that person decides who can use his land and for how long. This procedure is almost similar to land ownership.

• Grain Storage Problem

Even if there is a good production of crops, sometimes what happens is, farmers, don’t get enough space to store their surplus food grains and thus grains are wasted in a large amount.

Benefits of Agriculture:

• It helps in satisfying the hunger of people.
• It uplifts the economy of our country.
• It provides employment to unemployed people.
• It helps in trade.
• It contributes to the government by paying revenue.

From the above discussion, we can conclude that India is the second-largest producer of the product of agriculture. We get benefited a lot by agriculture in many ways; however, people nowadays, are getting distracted from agriculture and moving towards cities for their butter and bread, which is not good for the country and its people.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Ans . The study of agriculture is called Agricultural science.

Ans . The green revolution is related to agricultural production.

Ans . The title of “Father of the Green Revolution in India” is given to Dr. M.S. Swaminathan.

Ans . The Methane gas is released from the paddy fields.

Ans . The agricultural sector is called the backbone of the Indian economy?

Ans . The first Agricultural University of India was established in Pantnagar that is now in Uttrakhand.

Ans . Grey Revolution is related to the production of fertilizers.

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Agriculture in India

Essay on organic farming: top 5 essays | systems | farming | agronomy.

Here is an essay on ‘Organic Farming’ for class 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Find paragraphs, long and short essays on ‘Organic Farming’ especially written for school and college students. 

Essay on Organic Farming

Essay Contents:

• Essay on the General Principles of Organic Farming

Essay # 1. Definition of Organic Farming:

In 1980, the USDA released a landmark report on organic farming. The report defined organic farming as a production system, which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetic inorganic fertilisers, pesticides, growth regulators and livestock feed additives.

Organic farming systems largely depends on crop rotations, crop residues, animal manures, green manures, off farm organic wastes, mechanical cultivation, mineral bearing rocks and aspects of biological pest control to maintain soil productivity and tilth, to supply plant nutrients and to control insects, pathogens and weeds.

According to Codex definition (FAO), organic agriculture is production management system, which promotes and enhances agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity.

It emphasises the use of management practices in preference to the use of off farm inputs, taking into account that regional conditions require locally adopted systems. This is accomplished by using, where possible agronomic, biological and mechanical methods, as opposed to using synthetic materials, to fulfill any specific function within the system.

Essay # 2. Aims of Organic Farming :

Organic farming systems approach is based on the perception that tomorrow’s ecology is more important than today’s economy. Its aim is to stop degradation and reestablish natural balance. The economy must readjust to the primary production factors and not the other way round. Without ecology there is no economy.

Other aims of organic farming are:

1. To work as much as possible within a closed system and draw upon local resources.

2. To maintain long term productivity of the soil.

3. To avoid pollution problems due to agrochemicals use.

4. To minimise the use of fossil energy in agriculture.

Essay # 3. Concept of Organic Farming :

Organic farming systems do not use toxic agrochemical inputs (pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and fertilisers). Instead, they are based on development of biological diversity and the maintenance and replenishment of soil productivity.

Organic farming describes two major aspects of alternative agriculture:

1. Substitution of manures and other organic matter for inorganic fertilisers.

2. Biological pest and disease control instead of chemical control.

Organic farming is one of several to sustainable agriculture and many of the techniques used (intercropping, crop rotation, ploughing, mulching, integration of crops and livestock etc.,) are practiced under various agricultural systems. What makes organic farming unique is that almost all synthetic inputs are prohibited and soil health improving agronomic practices are mandated.

Essay # 4. Systems of Organic Farming :

Some of the organic farming systems, in brief, include the following:

(i) Biological Farming:

It is synonymous with Reams Fertility System as the basis for crop production. The Reams system is based on the LaMotte-Morgan soil test and the use of rock phosphate, calcium carbonate and compost to achieve nutrient ratios of 7: 1 calcium to magnesium, 2: 1 phosphorus and potassium and so on. It allows the use of selected chemical fertilisers (avoiding disruptive materials such as anhydrous ammonia and potassium chloride) and adopts low input approaches to use of insecticides and pesticides.

(ii) Nature Farming:

It parallels organic farming in many ways but includes special emphasis on soil health through composts rather than other organic sources, if possible. Use of microbial preparations is also gaining importance in nature farming in the recent past.

(iii) Permaculture:

It is contraction of permanent agriculture. It is concerned with designing ecological human habitats and food production systems and follows specific guidelines and principles in the design of these systems. It is not a production system, per se, but rather a land use planning philosophy, not specific to any method of production. Thus, any site specific ecological farming system is amenable to permaculture.

(iv) Alternate Agriculture:

Plant growth and crop production are complex processes that depend on many interactions between organisms. Alternate agriculture recognises that a piece of land on which crop plants are grown is an ecosystem where balance should be maintained between interacting organisms.

Many natural processes occur in such an ecosystem and farmers should take advantage of these natural processes, rather than try to circumvent them or destroy them with chemicals. It rejects heavy use of inorganic fertilisers but favours tillage to minimise soil erosion, reliance on animal and green manures, integrated pest management and crop rotation, smother crops and other agronomic practices to control weeds.

(v) Ecological Agriculture:

Bringing to match the crop, soil and climate of a region, the ecology and farming and gaining from the economy and efficiency of inputs are the objectives of ecological agriculture. Farming regions and individual farms must be treated as ecological system. The techniques are developed on the basis of a holistic view of man within the biosphere and the awareness of man’s dependence on scarce natural resources.

Intensification of farming is sought through more productive use of available resources such as soil nutrients, rain water and local energy, together with the knowledge of labour and innovative of the people. Ecological farming is more labour intensive and several of its components such as vermi composting, vermi vash and generation of botanical pesticides, rearing of beneficial insects etc. offer scope for unemployed and land less youth.

(vi) Integrated Intensive Farming System (IIFS):

The methodology provides the pathway to achieve an evergreen revolution in agriculture according to Prof. MS Swaminathan, Chairman, MSSRF, Chennai. It involves agricultural intensification, diversification and value addition.

Intensification is through integrated farming involving animal husbandry, fishery and agroforestry. Such forming systems provide scope for organic recycling. Value addition to every part of plant and animal biomass is through the establishment of bio-refineries.

Soil health care, vermin-culture, monitoring impact of farming systems on physical, chemical and biological components of soil, water harvesting and its management, INS, IPM and post-harvest technology are the seven pillars of IIFS.

(vii) Low External Input Supply Agriculture (LEISA):

It is a production system that uses synthetic fertilisers, pesticides and herbicides below rates normally recommended. Yields are maintained through greater emphasis on cultural practices, IPM, INM and uilisation of on farm resources and management.

It seeks to optimise the use of locally available resources by maximising the complementary and synergistic effects of different components of the farming systems. External inputs are used in a complementary way.

(viii) Biodynamic Agriculture:

Major emphasis is on biological dynamics. It is a method of organic agriculture, which considers farm as a living system and where one activity affects the other. Greater emphasis is on integration of animals to create a closed nutrient cycle, effect of crop planting dates in relation to the calendar and awareness of spiritual forces in nature.

A unique feature of this system is the use of eight specific preparations derived from cow manure, silica and herbal extracts to treat compost piles, soils and crops.

Essay # 5. General Principles of Organic Farming :

Organic forming systems are based on the dynamic interaction between the soil, plant, animals, humans, ecosystem and the environment. The system is directed towards enhancing natural life cycles rather than suppressing nature. Nomenclature notwithstanding, the principles and practices involved in all the production strategies described by various technologies are essentially similar.

International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements (IFOAM) summarises the principles and practices in their standards manual as follows:

1. To produce food of high nutritional quality in sufficient quantity.

2. To work with natural systems rather than seeking to dominate them.

3. To encourage and enhance biological cycles within the farming system, involving micro­organisms, soil flora and fauna, plants and animals.

4. To maintain and increase the long fertility of soil. To use as for as possible renewable resources in locally organised agricultural systems.

5. To work as much as possible within a closed system with regard to organic matter and nutrient elements.

6. To give all livestock conditions of life that allows them to perform all aspects of their innate behaviour.

7. To avoid all forms of pollution that may result from agricultural techniques.

8. To maintain the genetic diversity of the agricultural system and its surroundings, including the protection of plants and wild life habitats.

9. To allow agricultural producers an adequate return and satisfaction from their work including a safe working environment.

10. To consider the wider social and ecological impact of the farming system.

Certain basic principles of organic farming are briefly discussed below:

(i) Crop and Soil Management:

Organic farming encourage crop rotation and use of organic manures including green manuring for increasing soil organic matter and humus leading to improvement in soil water retention, ion exchange, soil conservation and animal life in the soil.

(ii) Nutrient Management:

Composting of all organic wastes, in general, and farm yard manure in particular is important in organic farming. Organic matter produced on the farm should form the basis of the manurial programme. All the organic matter produced on the form should be returned to the soil to maintain adequate humus content on a long term basis. Bio-fertilisers should be regarded as supplementary and not replacement for nutrient cycling.

(iii) Plant Protection:

Primary strategy in controlling pests, diseases and weeds is prevention. Healthy soils due to organic forming produce healthy plants, which are better able to resist insect pests and diseases. Organic farmers also relay on diverse population of soil organisms, insects, birds and other organisms to keep the problems in check.

When the pest population gets out of balance, farmers will implement a variety of strategies such as use of insect predators, mating disruption, traps and barriers. As a last resort, botanical or non-toxic pesticides are used under restricted conditions. Weeds are controlled through tillage and inter-cultivation and through cover crops, mulches, crop rotation and manual weeding.

(iv) Soil and Water Conservation:

Only running water can erode the soil. The velocity of running water can be minimised through contour cultivation, contour trenching, contour bonding, terracing, gully plugging, grassing the water ways etc., depending on slope and other farming practices. Watershed management programmes play key role in organic farming.

Organic farming is viable alternative to conventional agriculture. However, it is often associated with low yields. As low yields are expected, the market’s ability to pay a premium price is a key determinant of sustainable growth of organic agriculture.

The European Union is currently world’s leading market for organic products. The legislation on organic agriculture varies across countries. At present certification is compulsory for the organic foods exported from India.

National level efforts are needed to facilitate successful adoption of organic agriculture by farmers. The approach shall be farmer centered and programmes developed shall create conditions for the conservation and efficient use of locally available resources as inputs in agriculture.

Related Articles:

• Essay on Organic Farming in India | Agriculture
• Essay on the Farming Systems: Top 8 Essays | India | Agronomy

Agronomy , Essay , Farming , Organic Farming , Systems

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• Solved Paper by Subject

21 Solved Questions with Answers

15. How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers? (2017)

Government subsidizes agricultural inputs in an attempt to keep farm costs low and pr oduc tion high.

There are various subsidies available to farmers in terms of cheap input credit, seeds and fertilizers, subsidized electricity and irrigation etc. Agriculture subsidies always have some impact on various activities of agriculture.

Cropping patter n: Crop selection gets distorted in favour of those crops which have high share of subsidies or attract large volume of subsidies. For example cheap electricity and irrigation subsidies motivated Punjab farmers to go for water guzzling crops like rice.

Crop diversity: Crop diversity gives way to the standard staple crops where there is assured market and cost of production is low due to subsidies. For example wheat and rice are the standard crops in present times for Rabi and Kharif season res pectivel y.

Economy of farmers: Various subsidies ensure income support to farmers and safe stock of food grains. But at the same time it leads to distorted production patterns, resulting in food inflation.

Significance of various factors on small and marginal farmers

Crop insurance: It provides income security in case of crop failure due to natural and other reasons.  It also gives them cushion against their investment in agricultural activities.

Minimum Support Price: Minimum prices ensure a minimum guaranteed income for the crops thereby hedging them from market fluctuations. Guarantee of a buyer while cultivation of crops gives a sense of financial security to the farmer.

Though high MSP for certain produces such as wheat and rice drives farmers to take the "safe side" and thus shifts to cereal production rather than fruits, vegetables etc.

Food processing: Through value addition it ensures not only better income but long shelf life for the agro products. For the country like India where the wastage is high and over 80% of farmers are small and marginal with limited capacity, their income base can be enhanced through food processing.

14. What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system? How crop diversification is helpful to stabilize the yield of the crops in the system? (2017)

Rice-wheat cropping system is labour , water, capital and energy-intensive, and becomes less profitable as availability of these resources diminishes. The problem is further exacerbated by dynamics of climate change. The relevant factors for decline in yield are discussed below - 

• Decline in Soil fertility: Due to continuous irrigation and use of excessive flood irrigation, soil in rice-wheat cropping system has become saline. It has resulted into decrease in crop yield.
• Climate change: According to studies, climate change has a negative effect on major crops such as wheat, rice and maize. Increase in annual temperature range has also affected the crop yield of rice and wheat.
• Increased input cost: High rate of infestation with weeds and pests along with contamination of ground water have resulted into high cost of input for cultivation of rice and wheat.
• Change in water availability: Due to excessive use of ground water and consequent depletion of ground water resources, water availability has declined. This has resulted in decline in crop yield.

Therefore, it is imperative to focus on alternate crops. Crop diversification refers to a shift from the regional dominance of one crop to production of a number of crops. Crop diversification helps in:

• Maintaining soil fertility: Only those crops are grown in a particular region which are suitable to particular agro climate zone and it helps in maintaining soil fertility because excessive use of nutrients, irrigation is not required.
• To arrest depletion of ground water: It will help in diversifying cropping patterns from water guzzling crops such as paddy to pulses, oilseeds, maize with the aim of tackling the problem of depleting water table.
• Diversification can also provide habitat for beneficial insects and at the same time reduce colonization by pest .

The government of India has launched crop diversification scheme in the original green revolution areas of Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh. Under Crop Diversification Programme assistance is provided to states for conducting cluster demonstrations on alternate crops, promotion of water saving technologies, distribution of farm machinery, and awareness through training.

14. How has the emphasis on certain crops brought about changes in cropping patterns in recent past? Elaborate the emphasis on millets production and consumption. (2018)

Cropping pattern is the proportion of area under various crops at a point of time. The cropping patterns of a region are mainly influenced by the geo-climatic, socio-economic, historical and political factors.

In the recent past, a lot of changes have occurred in the cropping pattern in India:

• There has been a shift towards rice-wheat cropping pattern since the 'Green Revolution' of the 1960s.
• Paddy, cotton, soybean, and sugarcane cover more than half of total sown area taking over the area traditionally devoted to millets, oilseeds and pulses which were more suited to the local climatic and soil conditions.
• The gain in the wheat production has come at the cost of millets and sorghum as wheat has been considered superior over them.
• As India is one of the largest consumer and importer of pulses and oilseeds, the government has tried to increase their acreage and productivity. Higher MSPs has been announced for these crops recently.

Crop patterns in India are changing without consideration for local agro-climatic conditions. This has put a burden on environment, incurring huge long-term losses. Soil fertility has declined while groundwater has receded. Chemical pollution and changing food habits impacting human health are the direct manifestations of this change in crop patterns.

• Production: Millets grow well in dry zones as rain-fed crops, under marginal conditions of soil fertility and moisture and are stable yielders. About 30 million acres in India fall under millets. Millets are grown in about 21 States and major impetus is being given on its production in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. Millets are the super foods for the present and future; their short growing season (65 days) makes them commercially sound.
• Consumption: With lifestyle diseases running rampant, millets have returned as a viable option to live healthy life. Various States have been distributing millets such as bajra, jowar and ragi through the PDS.

There is an unmet demand for rice and wheat which is met by millets. If consumers see millets as a solution to lifestyle disorders, producers have realised that it requires less inputs and is an economically viable option if marketing avenues are created.

14. Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenario.

A continuous wastage or misuse of potable groundwater either in industries, agriculture or households has left a large population of the country facing high water stress conditions today. High wastage of water coupled with burgeoning population in some manner ensures that sooner or later we will be facing scarcity of potable water in the country.

Traditional methods to improve water storage and irrigation

• Jhalaras : They are typically rectangular-shaped stepwells that have tiered steps on three or four sides. 
• Talabs : These are reservoirs that store water for household consumption and drinking purposes. They may be natural, such as the pokhariya ponds. 
• Bawaris : These are unique stepwells that were once a part of the ancient networks of water storage in the cities. The little rain that the region received would be diverted to this man-made tank through canals. 
• Taanka : It is a traditional rainwater harvesting technique indigenous to the desert region.
• Ahar Pynes : These are traditional floodwater harvesting systems indigenous to regions frequently prone to floods. 
• Johads : These are one of the oldest systems used to conserve and recharge groundwater, which are small earthen check dams that capture and store rainwater. It is constructed in an area with naturally high elevation on three sides. 

Modern methods to improve water storage and irrigation

• Rainwater Overhead Tanks : These are the simple tanks placed over the building or on the terrace, collecting water as it comes.
• Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting : A simple structure where the roof is used as a support for installing catchment pipes through which the rainwater flows and is eventually stored in ground level containers.
• Percolation Tanks : The percolation tanks are mostly earthen dams with masonry structure only for spillway. The purpose of these tanks is to recharge the groundwater storage.

Irrigation methods to ensure judicious use of water

• Bamboo Drip Irrigation System : It is an indigenous system in northeast India. In this, the water from perennial springs is diverted to the terrace fields using varying sizes and shapes of bamboo pipes. The system ensures that small drops of water are delivered directly to the roots of the plants.
• Irrigation Scheduling : It is basically smart water management. It deals with when, how often, and how much water needs to be provided to plants. To avoid overwatering of crops and avoid water wastage farmers carefully monitor the weather forecast, understand the soil condition, and use smart meters for water management.
• Dryland Farming : The practice of cultivating crops without irrigation in regions of limited moisture.
• Sprinkler Irrigation : It is a method of applying water to crops which is similar to natural rainfall but in a more judicious manner and spread uniformly over the land surface. It is done using a pump, pipes and nozzle to sprinkle water.

Thus, we see that traditional methods when coupled with modern scientific approaches to conserve water can produce the intended results in the field of water conservation. Hence, the above-mentioned methods should be brought to use holistically to reduce water wastage and ensure availability of potable water to mankind for a longer period of time.

14. What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification?

Crop diversification refers to the addition of new crops or cropping systems to agricultural production on a particular farm taking into account the different returns from value-added crops with complementary marketing opportunities. The aim of crop diversification is to increase crop portfolio so that farmers are not dependent on a single crop to generate their income.

• At present, 70-80% farmers have land below 2 hectares. To overcome this, existing cropping patterns must be diversified with high value crops such as maize, pulses, etc.
• Crop diversification can better tolerate the ups and downs in price of various farm products and it may ensure economic stability of farming products.
• It refers to sudden adverse weather conditions like erratic rainfall, drought, hail, incidence of insect and pest disease. Under this situation, crop diversification through mixed cropping may be useful.
• Most of the Indian population suffers from malnutrition. Crops like pulses, oilseed, horticulture and vegetables can improve socio-economic status by adding quality to the food basket and also improve soil health with the aim of food safety and nutritional security.
• Adoption of crop diversification helps in conservation of natural resources like introduction of legume in rice-wheat cropping system which has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen to help sustain soil fertility.

Challenges:

• Majority of cropped area in the country is completely dependent on rainfall.
• Sub-optimal and over-use of resources like land and water cause a negative impact on the environment and sustainability of agriculture.
• Inadequate supply of seeds and plants of improved cultivars.
• Fragmentation of land holding less favouring modernisation and mechanisation of agriculture.
• Poor basic infrastructure like rural roads, power, transport, communications, etc.
• Inadequate post-harvest technologies and inadequate infrastructure for post-harvest handling of perishable horticultural produce.
• Very weak agro-based industry.
• Weak research – extension – farmer linkages.
• Inadequately trained human resources together with persistent and large-scale illiteracy among farmers.
• Host of diseases and pests affecting most crop plants.
• Poor database for horticultural crops.
• Decreased investments in the agricultural sector over the years.

Role of emerging technologies in crop diversification:

• With the help of IT revolution, farmers are directly connected with grocery-customers (farm to fork model) leading to cultivation of high value perishable products (e.g., Big Basket, BlinkIt startup platforms).
• Aquaponics and urban farming are a technique of controlled environment cultivation which help in crop diversification in order to meet the heavy urban demand for perishable items.
• Through financial inclusion and digitisation, small farmers and women self-help groups have been able to ensure crop diversification by credit supply.
• In arid areas, technologies like Urea Deep Placement (UDP), Poly-bag Nursery farming, etc. have been introduced by Indo-Israel Agriculture Project.
• Soil health management assisted in facilitating right fertiliser usage, developing organic farming and providing GIS based thematic mapping for soil.

14. What is Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India?

Integrated Farming System (IFS) is an interdependent, interrelated often interlocking production system. The IFS model combines various compatible enterprises such as crops (field crops, horticultural crops), agroforestry (agri-silvi culture, agri-horticulture), livestock (dairy, poultry, small ruminants), fishery, mushroom and bee culture in an synergistic way so that the waste of one process become the input for other processes for optimum farm productivity.

How is it helpful to Small and Marginal farmers:

• Utilising the by-products of one component of the farming system as an input in another to ensure supplementary and complementary enterprise relationship. Thus, effective input cost is reduced. For example, cattle dung mixed with crop residues and farm waste can be converted into nutrient-rich vermicompost.
• Maximization of yield of all component enterprises to provide steady and stable income at higher levels.
• Rejuvenation/amelioration of systems productivity and achieve agro-ecological equilibrium.
• Control the built-up of insects-pest , diseases and weeds population through natural cropping system management and keep them at low level of intensity.
• Reducing the use of chemical fertilizer and other harmful agrochemicals and pesticides to provide pollution-free, healthy produce and environment to the society at large.
• It will help in mitigating the negative impact of agriculture or livestock on the environment.
• Regular stable income through products like egg, milk, mushroom, vegetables and silkworm cocoons etc..

According to the Agriculture Census 2015, India has 86% small and marginal farmers, hence ensuring their livelihood is critical to ensuring inclusive growth. Small and marginal farmers should always be encouraged to implement IFS. It will also help the government achieve its aim of doubling farmers' income and increasing agriculture's total GVA to the economy at large. However, there are some limitations with the IFS:

• Financial restrictions prevent small and marginal farmers from affording huge cattle or setting up ponds for fisheries.
• Lack of awareness among farmers and hesitancy to adopt newer farming systems and technologies.
• MSP is provided only for 23 crops. It does not apply to other crops such as Mushrooms and Beekeeping industries.

IFS fulfills multiple objectives, including making farmers self-sufficient by ensuring the family members get a balanced diet, enhancing the standard of living by maximizing the total net returns and providing more jobs, overall upliftment of rural community and conserving the natural resources and crop diversity.

13. Assess the role of National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticulture farms. How far has it succeeded in increasing the income of farmers? (2018)

National Horticulture Mission (NHM) is an Indian Government scheme promoted with the objective to develop horticulture to the maximum potential available in the states and to augment production of all horticultural products. This scheme was launched under 10th five year plan in 2005-06. Under this scheme centre government contributes 85%, and 15% is contributed by the state government.

The role of NHM in boosting the production, productivity and income of horticultural farms can be assessed as:

• It provides holistic growth of the horticulture sector through an area based regionally differentiated strategies due to which more than 9 crore metric tons of fruits on 63 lakh hectare land were produced during 2015-16.
• Horticulture farms are much smaller and horticulture crops have high return on investment which allows marginal farmers to increase their income using small lands.
• Farmers can plant multiple crops on their land which provide multiple earning resources.
• Regions experiencing low rainfall and prone to drought are getting benefit from the option of horticulture which requires less water and is less susceptible to crop failure. For example, Bagepalli, a drought prone area in Karnataka-Andhra Pradesh border is now emerging as a horticulture hot spot.
• Horticulture crops have short turnaround time than food crops which helps in efficient land utilization, increased production and productivity, and also increases income of farmers.

After the launch of the NHM, significant progress has been made in area expansion under horticulture crops, resulting in higher production and increase in income. Over the last decade, the area under horticulture grew at an average rate of 2.7% per annum and annual production increases at an average rate of 7.0% per annum. In Bagepalli, for example, the annual turnover was Rs 6 lakh in 2016. But it has been Rs 10 lakh a month in 2018, as farmers swiftly shifted to horticulture crops.

This form of cultivation is gathering steam across the country, even as the Centre aims to double farmer incomes by 2022. But still challenges like inadequate cold storage infrastructure, limited availability of market, limited support from government and high price fluctuation are needed to be catered to achieve the aim of doubling farmers’ income by 2022.

13. What are the major factors responsible for making the rice-wheat system a success? In spite of this success how has this system become bane in India?

The rice-wheat cropping system has remained a predominant cropping pattern in the Indo-Gangetic region since years. The pattern in itself is so robust that three-fourth of the country’s annual domestic need for wheat and rice is fulfilled by a handful of states in the region. Indian states that predominantly practice this system are Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.

Factors responsible for making rice-wheat system a success

• The first major reason is the availability of ideal geographical conditions . Cultivation of rice requires a good amount of water for irrigation. Fortunately, in India, especially northern India, a good amount of water is available through annual monsoonal rainfall. Similarly, cultivation of wheat requires cool, moist weather, followed by dry, warm weather with optimum temperature range 20-25 degree Celsius. Fortunately, this condition is available in northern India during November to February every year.
• The second major reason is the support given by the Government of India to wheat and rice producers in the form of Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement. MSP is declared to give guaranteed price and assured market to the farmers and protect them from price fluctuations and market imperfections. Thus, farmers hardly opt for crops other than wheat and paddy.
• Third major reason is the low input cost and high productivity in case of wheat and rice crops. Also, as per the government policy, the increase in MSPs of these two crops every year is comparatively more than the increase in the cost of production. So, farmers producing these crops generally have an increase in their profits year by year.

The Rice-Wheat system has become bane in India because of following reasons

• Residue management : The straw residue in case of wheat is used in animal husbandry but straw residue in case of rice or paddy cannot be used for animal husbandry due to high silica content. So, to dispose of the residue from the field and make the land ready for the next wheat crop, farmers burn the straw in open fields. This causes major environmental pollution, especially during the months of November-December in the NCR region.
• Unchecked water usage : Paddy has a high-water footprint and therefore leads to large amounts of groundwater extraction for irrigation by farmers. This has declined the underground water table in most parts of northern India. Since artificial recharge of aquifers is still not very feasible in India and groundwater recharge is still dependent on rainfall, the depleting water table is a major issue.
• Lack of Crop rotation : Crop rotation helps to maintain soil structure and nutrient levels and to prevent soil borne pests. Continuous plantation of wheat and rice on the same land has degraded the soil structure and nutrition levels in soil. Cereal crops like sorghum, maize, and millet are more nutritious than wheat and rice and so should be given equal importance in the cropping system.
• MSPs : Since MSPs on wheat and rice ensures good income to farmers at minimal risks, farmers have increased the production of wheat and rice to such levels that there is glut in the market. The burgeoning stocks of wheat and rice means higher social costs and a higher subsidy bill by the government, putting additional pressure on an already stressed government.

Thus, to sum up, we can say that the rice-wheat system is doing less good for the country and this is the time to do away with this old agricultural practice. There is an urgent need to take necessary steps to implement new and sustainable agricultural policy and rules in this regard.

13. What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India?

Regarded as a landmark legislation to ameliorate the conditions of the poor and the food insecure population, the National Food Security Act, 2013 aims to ensure people’s food and nutritional security by assuring access to a sufficient quantity of high-quality food at reasonable prices. It provides subsidised food grains to 75% of India’s rural population and 50% of its urban population.

Salient features:

• Eligibility, Coverage and Identification of Households : The Act defines ‘eligible households’ under two categories: (i) households covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and (ii) households covered as the priority households under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). The State Government is to identify the eligible households.
• Food Entitlements : Each priority household shall be entitled to 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month from the State Government under the TPDS. The households covered under the AAY shall be entitled to 35 kg of foodgrains per household per month at the subsidised price not exceeding Rs. 3, Rs. 2 and Rs. 1 per kg for rice, wheat and coarse grains respectively for a period of three years from the date of commencement of the Act.
• Nutritional Support : Every pregnant and lactating woman shall be entitled to a meal, free of charge, during pregnancy and six months after the child birth through the local anganwadi and maternity benefit of not less than Rs. 6000.
• Food Security Allowance : The Act stipulates that in case of non-supply of the entitled quantities of foodgrains or meals to the entitled persons, such persons shall be entitled to receive such food security allowance from the concerned State Government.
• Grievance Redressal Mechanism : Every State Government shall put in place an internal grievance redressal mechanism which may include call centres, designation of nodal officers etc.

Role of food security bill in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India:

• As per a UN report, from 2006 to 2019, the number of undernourished people in India has dropped by 60 million.
• The hunger outcomes amongst the poor and underprivileged have improved through better access to foodgrains.
• Resilience in the poor against income shocks has increased by broad coverage of the 2/3rd population.
• According to the UN report, stunting in children under 5 years of age has reduced from 47.8% in 2012 to 34.7% in 2019.
• Wage loss during pregnancy has been compensated by monetary compensation.
• The awareness created by the ASHA workers has increased the number of infants who were exclusively breastfed from 11.2 million in 2012 to 13.9 million in 2019.

13. What are the main bottlenecks in upstream and downstream process of marketing of agricultural products in India?

Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy. Even, with the growth of other sectors, agriculture still continues to play a dominant part in the overall economic scenario of India. Agricultural marketing is mainly a state entitlement with the Central Government providing support under central sector schemes. The upstream process of agricultural marketing includes inputs to agriculture like seeds, machinery, and technology and the downstream process includes the food processing industry.

However, there are still many challenges in upstream and downstream process of agricultural marketing:

• In the upstream process, lack of coverage of reform policies is one of the main hindrances in addressing the issues of agricultural marketing. For example, only some States have adopted the Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (APLMA) Act fully.
• Contract farming has been taken out of the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) domain, citing conflict of interest and this creates lacunae in the upstream as well as downstream process.
• Another downstream bottleneck is flawed MSP provision which forces the private traders to buy produce at or above MSP or penalizing for not doing so, which can kill the private markets for agricultural produce.
• There should be effective provision of procurement by the State and its agencies with the involvement of local institutions like Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and producer companies as it effects sourcing activities and purchasing activities in upstream and downstream process.
• Most disappointingly, Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2017 (APLMA, 2017) ignores the vexed issue of the role of Arthiyas (commission agents or CAs) in the APMCs and maintains them as central agents in the system. This effects the whole agricultural marketing process.

However, with some reforms like the removal of entry barriers, involvement of other stakeholders and electronic settlement of sales, the process of marketing of agricultural products can be improved.

Addressing the challenges of the agricultural market is complex, yet doable, as the doubling of farmers’ income cannot come without developing a thriving market of agriculture. Hence, it is high time that focus must shift from agricultural production to agricultural marketing.

10. Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). (2016)

Every year, in one part of India or the other food crops are affected by natural calamities (like flood, drought and plant diseases). The farmers have to be assured that they will be compensated for such loss in crops. Otherwise, they cannot be drawn into the campaign to increase productivity of land under their plough.

The need for crop insurance arises for the following reasons

• In our country nature has always been moody. Crop insurance provides protection to farmers against losses caused by crop failure and thereby ensures stability in farm income.
• It also reduces, to some extent, government expenditure incurred on relief measures extended to meet the havoc caused by natural calamities such as droughts and floods, locusts, plant diseases.
• It also strengthens the position of co-operatives and other institutions that finance, agriculture to the extent it enables the farmer members to repay their loans in years of crop failure.
• By protecting the economic interest of the farmers against possible risk or loss, it accelerates adoption of new agricultural practices.
• It may act as anti-inflationary measure, by locking up part of the resources in rural areas.

The government launched a new crop insurance scheme, PM’s Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) with a view to de-risk agriculture from the vagaries of nature. Salient features of PMFBY are following.

• PMFBY targets to cover 50% India’s cropped area in the next three years. There will be a uniform premium of only 2% to be paid by farmers for all Kharif crops and 1.5% for all Rabi crops.
• In case of annual commercial and horticultural crops, the premium to be paid by farmers will be only 5%.
• There is no upper limit on Government subsidy. Even if balance premium is 90%, it will be borne by the Government.
• The new scheme will also seek to address a long-standing demand of farmers and provide farm-level assessment for localized calamities, including hailstorms, unseasonal rains, landslides and inundation.

9. Discuss the role of land reforms in agricultural development identify the factors that were responsible for the success of land reforms in India. (2016)

India at independence inherited a semi feudal agrarian system. The ownership and control of land was highly concentrated in the hands of a small group of landlords and intermediaries, whose main intention was to extract maximum rent, either in cash or in kind, from tenants. This was one of major hindrance in the development of agriculture. Land reform involves the changing of laws, regulators or customs regarding land ownership, plays a great role. Its main objectives included:

• Weakening the domination of landlords and providing security of tenure to share croppers and land to landless and poor peasants.
• Simulating the growth of productivity and output in agriculture by eliminating feudal and semi-feudal land relations.
• Expanding rural markets by means of a significant redistribution of productive assets, especially land, and by adequate public investment in the agrarian economy.

In the success of land reforms in India, following factor were responsible.

• Political will: Land reforms were more successful in some states such as West Bengal, Kerala because of strong political will of the government. Provisions of land reforms were implemented actively.
• The pro-poor impact of land reforms was enhanced by the emergence of the system of decentralized local government put in place by the Left Front in 1978 (West Bengal) soon after coming to office.
• The role of individuals associated with Indian Independence movement such as Shri Vinoba Bhave.
• Absolution of Zamidari was initiated just after the independence of India by the Union government which streamlined the process of land reforms.

Though the process of land reforms were not as successful as it was intended to because to inactive participation of landlords except some states like West Bengal and Kerala. According to some scholars land reforms also increased the gap between rich and poor.

8. What is allelopathy? Discuss its role in major cropping systems of irrigated agriculture. (2016)

Allelopathy is a biological phenomenon in which plants release chemical poisons to destroy neighbouring plants in their bid for more space and sunlight. The poison released are deadly, they change the very genetic structure of the victim plants preventing its growth and ultimately leading to its death.

• In sustainable wild management: Allelopathic applications such as Straw mulching provide sustainable weed management. It also helps in reducing negative impact of environment on agriculture. Straw mulch can improve the organic matter in the soil and increase its fertility. Allelo chemicals are called ‘Natural herbicides’.
• In reduction of Nitrogen leaching and Environment pollution: Nitrogen leaching is a severe ecological problem due to water pollution. In recent years studies have proven that Nitrification Inhibiting Substance (NIS) produced by plants can reduce the emission of N 2 O, improve the utilization rate of nitrogen fertilizer and reduce pollution to the environment.
• Plant-animal/insect interactions: Allelo chemicals may variously act as feeding attractants or repellents, have hormonal effects on the insects or provide the insects with a useful defense mechanism against predation.
• Many border plants are used in this manner around fields and gardens to keep undesired animals away.

Studies on allelopathy in crops and weeds have been developed in the past few decades and the use of allelopathic crops in crop rotation, cover crops, green manure, inter cropping etc has become a reality.

7. What is water-use efficiency? Describe the role of micro-irrigation in increasing the water-use efficiency. (2016)

Water-use efficiency refers to the ratio of water used in plant metabolism to water lost by the plant through transpiration. Water use efficiency is also about careful management of water supply sources, use of water serving technologies, reduction of excessive demand and other actions.

In context of Indian agriculture, recognizing the fast declining irrigation water potential and increasing demand for water from different sectors, a number of demand management strategies and programmes have been introduced.

One such method is micro-irrigation that includes drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation.

Under micro-irrigation, unlike flood method of irrigation, water is supplied at a required interval and quantity using pipe network, emitters and nozzles.

The on-farm irrigation efficiency of properly designed and managed drip irrigation system is estimated to be about 90 percent, while the same is only about 35 to 40 percent for surface method of irrigation.

While increasing the productivity of crops significantly, it also reduces weed problems, soil erosion and cost of cultivation substantially.

The reduction in water consumption in micro irrigation also reduces the energy use that is required to lift water from irrigation wells.

Drip-irrigation technique can replace the hand watering system in hilly areas with minimum water losses and labour.

Government of India has also accorded high priority to water conservation and its management. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) has been formulated with the vision of extending the coverage of irrigation ‘Har Khet Ko Pani’ and improving water use efficiency ‘More crop per drop’ in focused manner using sprinker & drip method of irrigation.

4. Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (2017)

India is primarily an agricultural economy and majority of people are still dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. After independence, development of agriculture has been assured by various revolutions supported by government .

Green Revolution – This revolution led to tremendous rise in production of food grains, especially wheat, by use of high-yielding varieties of seeds, fertilizers and pesticide.

White Revolution – Operation Flood (1970), an initiative of National Dairy Development Board has led to revolution in m ilk production in India. The world’s largest dairy development programme transformed India from a milk deficient nation to world’s largest milk producer.

Blue Revolution – This revolution focussed on management of fisheries sector and has led to phenomenal increase in both fish production and productivity from aquaculture and fisheries resources of the inland and marine fisheries.

Other revolutions which are no less significant includes yellow revolution( oil seed production), golden fibre revolution (jute), golden revolution (horticulture), silver fibre revolution (Cotton) and red revolution (meat production).

Significance of these revolutions

• These innovations in agriculture have lifted millions of people out of poverty by generating rural income opportunities for farmers, farm labourers , and also reduced prices for consumers. India has become self sufficient in food grain production with the help of green revolution.
• The exponential rise in milk production has led to nutritional security among the masses. Per capita availability of milk has reached all time high of 337gms/day.
• These steps have provided avenues for income diversification for farmers.

To further carry on the momentum of these programmes and assure food security in long run in face of ever increasing population, there is an urgent need for an ‘evergreen revolution’ that should focus on all round development of the agriculture sector.       

4. Examine the role of supermarkets in supply chain management of fruits, vegetables, and food items. How do they eliminate number of intermediaries? (2018)

India is one of the leading producers of vegetables, fresh fruits and a number of food items. Marketing of fruits and vegetables especially is more challenging than many industrial products because of their perishability, seasonality and bulkiness. A supermarket is a self-service shop offering a wide variety of food and household products.

The roles of supermarkets in supply chain management are as follows:

• Transportation: The perishability of fruits, vegetables and other food items require swift transportation facility so that their freshness remain intact. Supermarkets are equipped with such swift transportation facilities.
• Better Storage Facilities: The better refrigeration facilities provided by supermarkets increases the shelf-life of these products so that consumers can purchase them fresh.
• Price Discovery: Most of the supermarkets purchase these products directly from the farmers, helping in the better discovery of prices for them.

In this way, supermarkets help in elimination of intermediaries such as agents and auctioneers. Normally in traditional markets, these agents and auctioneers purchase produce from the farmers and sell it to the wholesalers from where the produce goes to the retailers and then to consumers. The supermarkets eliminate this entire chain, as they procure directly from farmers and sell directly to the consumers. Reliance Fresh and Reliance trends, Foodworld, and Easyday an example of supermarket in India.

4. Elaborate the impact of National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural production from waterstressed areas.

Watershed project involves conservation, regeneration and judicious use of all the resources like land, water, plants, animals and humans within the watershed area.

The National Watershed Project also known as Neeranchal National Watershed Project is a World Bank assisted watershed management project. The objective of this project is to support Integrated Watershed Management Program (IWMP) through technical assistance to improve incremental conservation outcomes for the natural resources including water, soil and forests while enhancing agricultural yields in a sustainable manner for farming communities.

Water-stressed regions of India such as Northwest India, Vidarbha region of Maharashtra etc. are prone to drought and water scarcity thus affecting the agricultural production in the regions. The National Watershed Project has the potential in increasing agricultural production in these regions:

• The project has led in reduction of surface runoff thus increasing groundwater recharge, soil moisture and better availability of water in water-stressed areas. It also helps farmers to better manage surface and groundwater resources.
• This has resulted in incremental agriculture productivity and increased cropping intensity through optimum utilization of natural resources like land, water, vegetation etc.
• For example, a watershed project in Bangaru, Telangana has increased crop yields and cropping intensity significantly. This is also accompanied by a shift towards higher-value crops especially horticultural crops.
• It will also help to mitigate the adverse effects of drought and prevent further ecological degradation and support farmers in water-stressed areas to adapt to climatic change and ensuring improved livelihoods for people.
• It helps in the restoration of ecological balance in the degraded and fragile water-stressed areas by increasing vegetative cover and decrease soil erosion through afforestation and crop plantation.
• People’s involvement including the farmers and tribal is the key to the success of any watershed management program, particularly the soil and water conservation. Successful watershed management has been done at Sukhomajri, Panchkula and Haryana through active participation of the local people.

However, watershed project faces certain challenges such as very little community participation, lack of coordination between implementing departments and ministries, etc. Properly educating the people about the project and its benefits or sometimes paying certain incentives to them can help in effective people’s participation. Watershed Development on a large scale is the best solution to overcome water-stressed problems.

4. What are the challenges and opportunities of the food processing sector in the country? How can the income of the farmers be substantially increased by encouraging food processing?

Food processing generally includes the basic preparation of foods, the alteration of a food product into another form, and preservation and packaging techniques. For example, extraction of mango juice from the pulp.

Challenges Faced by Food Processing Industry In India

• Supply Side Bottlenecks: Fragmented land holdings result in low farm productivity. Due to this, farmers are left with a small and dispersed marketable surplus.
• Demand Side Bottlenecks: The demand for processed food is mainly restricted to urban areas of India and the middle and higher class of population.
• Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Lackofmechanizationandpropersupply chainresultsinpooraccesstomarket.High seasonality and perishability requires cold storage & warehousing facilities and road, rail & port connectivity.
• Manpower: There is a shortage ofskilled workers. At each level in the value chain, there are strong deficiencies in technical know-how and support.
• Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measure: The stringent SPS measures applied by developed countries also impedes the exports of processed foods.

Opportunities Associated with Food Processing Industries

• Employment Generation: FPI provides vital linkage between the two pillars of the economy – agriculture and industry. Therefore, it provides direct and indirect employment opportunities.
• Nutritional Security: Processed foods when fortified with vitamins and minerals can reduce the nutritional gap in the population.
• Trade and Foreign exchange: Food export can be an important source of foreign exchange, given the huge demand for nutritious, easy to eat and time-saving food in the evolving busy liefestyle.

Food Processing Industry & Farmers’ Income

• Value Addition: Processed foods fetch a better price than the raw items. For example, the value of biscuit is higher than flour although the raw item is the same. Thus, FPI can help farmers in getting a favourable price for their products.
• Demand for Agro-Products: Urbanization is increasing at a rapid pace in India, which subsequently, increases the demand for processed food. The rise in demand for processed food will, in turn, lead to rise in farmers’ income.
• Combating Rural Unemployment: Food processing being a labour-intensive industry will provide localized employment opportunities and thus will reduce the push factor in source regions of migration.

Food processing has become an integral part of the food supply chain in the global economy. India being an agrarian dominated country must leverage its potential in the Food Processing Industry. It will be help India in doubling farmers’ income by 2022-23.

4. How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis?

Water is a scarce natural resource but the major requirement in the agricultural sector. The efficient use of available water for irrigation is a major challenge. A nation with annual water availability of below 1,700 kilolitres per head is considered water deficient. India’s per capita water availability is estimated at 1,428 kilolitres per year.

Micro-irrigation is a modern method of irrigation by which water is irrigated through drippers, sprinklers, foggers and by other emitters on the surface or subsurface of the land. Sprinkler irrigation and drip irrigation are the commonly used micro-irrigation methods.

Significance of micro-irrigation:

• Micro-irrigation ensures water use efficiency. It applies water directly to the root zone, the practice reduces loss of water through conveyance, run-off, deep percolation and evaporation.
• Water savings in comparison with flood irrigation are to the tune of 30-50%.
• Electricity consumption falls significantly, as being water efficient it requires less water to be pumped.
• The localised water application in micro-irrigation prevents fertilizers from washing away, and so reduces nutrient loss or leaching. The micro-irrigation system can also be effectively used to apply fertilizers (fertigation) in a targeted way so as to prevent weed growth.
• Micro-irrigation, by virtue of localised water application, avoids soil erosion. It does not require land leveling and can irrigate fields that are irregularly shaped, making it much less labor-intensive and less costly.

Nevertheless, micro-irrigation also has certain limitations:

• Expense especially initial cost is high mainly for marginal and small farmers.
• Maintenance cost for the tubes, sprinklers may go out of pocket for small farmers.
• The lifetime of the tubes used in drip irrigation can be shortened by the sun causing wastage.
• It needs more awareness and higher rate of adoption in water stressed areas.

The future revolution in agriculture will come from precision farming. Micro-irrigation can, indeed, be the stepping stone for achieving the goal of making farming sustainable, profitable and productive.

3. How far is Integrated Farming System (IFS) helpful in sustaining agricultural production.

The Integrated Farming System (IFS) is a combined approach aimed at efficient sustainable resource management for increased productivity in the cropping system. The IFS approach has multiple objectives of sustainability, food security, farmer’s security and poverty reduction by involving livestock, vermicomposting, organic farming etc.

Indian farm sector needs to address the twin challenges of productivity and sustainability along with augmentation of farmer’s income. For this, IFS emerges as one of the most viable options, as it ensures:

• Productivity: IFS provides an opportunity to increase economic yield per unit area by virtue of intensification of crop and allied enterprises especially for small and marginal farmers.
• Profitability: It has the capability to make the sector profitable by reducing the use of chemical fertilizer and recycling nutrients.
• Sustainability: In IFS, subsystem of one byproduct works as an input for the other subsystem, making it environmentally sustainable. Moreover, IFS components are known to control the weed and regarded as an important element of integrated pest management and thus minimize the use of weed killers as well as pesticides and thereby protect the environment.
• Recycling: Effective recycling of products, by-products and waste material in IFS is the cornerstone behind the sustainability of farming system under resource poor condition in rural areas.
• Income round the year: Due to interaction of enterprises with crops, eggs, meat and milk, IFS provides flow of money round the year amongst the farming community.
• Best utilization of small landholdings: Indian farmers in many regions such as in north-eastern part, practice subsistence agriculture. They also have a rich traditional base in water harvesting, soil management etc. which could be efficiently utilized under IFS.
• Meeting fodder crisis: Byproduct and waste material of crop are effectively utilized as fodder for livestock (Ruminants) and products like grain, maize are used as feed for monogastric animals (pigs and poultry).
• Employment generation: Combining crop with livestock enterprises would increase the labour requirement significantly and would help in reducing the problems of underemployment and unemployment to a great extent. IFS provides enough scope to employ family labour round the year.

IFS provides multiple benefits that are sustainable and can pave the way for climate-smart agriculture . India needs to adopt a “well designed” Integrated Farming System (IFS) to realise the vision of doubling farmers’ income by 2022 and having sustainable agricultural practices .

3. What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India?

Agriculture contributes about 17% to India’s GDP and it is the primary source of livelihood for more than 55% of India’s population. Indian farmerstoday can sell their produce at the local market, APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) mandis or to the government at the minimum support price (MSP). But still those traditional mechanisms are not improving the farmers’ income. So as to double farmers income and to provide sustainable livelihood, effective transportation and marketing of agricultural produce is crucial.

Constraints in Transport

• Poor rural connectivity to markets.
• Poor supply chain development.
• Lack in warehousing and cold storage facilities especially in the rural areas where agricultural commodities are being produced.
• Poor vehicle design or non-availability of cold chain vehicles that transport perishable agricultural produce.

Constraints in Marketing

• High logistical cost.
• Lack of formal agricultural market.
• Lack of packaging, grading and measurement facility.
• Stringent commodity transfer control at the state level
• Lack of national market development
• Lack of technology integration in the market mechanism
• Low marketable surplus for agricultural goods.
• Malpractices in the market and lack of market information.

The problem for transport and marketing of agricultural produce  do not only result in wastage of product and loss of efficiency but also  have a very large impact on equitable distribution and inclusive growth by depriving by reducing the returns for smaller farmers.

World Food System: The Economics of Agriculture

• March 17, 2024
• CSS , CSS Essays , CSS Solved Essays

CSS 2022 Solved Essay | World Food System: The Economics of Agriculture

Iqra Ali , a Sir Syed Kazim Ali student, has attempted the CSS 2022 essay “ World Food System: The Economics of Agriculture ” on the given pattern, which Sir  Syed Kazim Ali  teaches his students. Sir Syed Kazim Ali has been Pakistan’s top English writing and CSS, PMS essay and precis coach with the highest success rate of his students. The essay is uploaded to help other competitive aspirants learn and practice essay writing techniques and patterns to qualify for the essay paper.

1-Introduction

• ✓ Agriculture, being the most significant means of food since the dawn of civilization, for humans who began growing different food crops
• ✓ Agricultural economics, an ever-evolving field, transforming the world food system both constructively and destructively
• ✓ Revamping agriculture economics becoming the only way to achieve a sustainable world food system

2-Understanding dimensions of the “World Food System” and “The Economics of Agriculture”

• ✓ Agricultural economics: the production, distribution, and consumption of food and agricultural products
• ✓ World food system: a complex network of economic, social, and environmental factors that shape the production, distribution, and consumption of food globally.

3-How has the advancing economics of agriculture impacted the world food system?

3.1-Positive Impacts

• Case in Point: Green revolution with techniques like Precision Agriculture, Vertical Farming and mechanization tripling the production of crops with only a 30 per cent increase in the land area cultivated
• Case in Point: Crop diversification, regenerative agriculture, and genetic modification of plants provide more options for food for every stratum
• Case in Point: Horticulture development in Kenya, increasing food security through better food availability locally, as well as its successful export to international markets
• Case in Point : The development of new crop varieties, improved farming techniques- drip irrigation technique- and innovative agricultural practices enhancing the standards of living of the rural population

3.2-Negative Impacts

• Case in Point: BT crop in India that promised resistance against bollworms affecting non-target insects, disrupting the natural food cycle and impacting biodiversity
• Case in Point: Land ownership, access to resources, and market power concentration in limited hands favoring wealthy landowners and agribusinesses, thus, exacerbating the inequality
• Case in Point: Economic factors, such as price volatility and supply chain disruptions, impacting sustainable food security
• Case in Point: Deforestation, soil degeneration, and water depletion, along with the leaching from extensive use of pesticides and fertilizers, contributing to the environmental deterioration

4-How can the economics of agriculture be modified for a progressive world food system?

• ✓ To promote sustainable agriculture practices to increase food quantity without compromising the quality and culture
• ✓ To introduce innovative systems protecting and enhancing the natural resource base while increasing productivity
• ✓ To initiate a transformative process towards ‘holistic’ approaches, such as agroecology, agro-forestry, climate-smart agriculture and conservation agriculture
• ✓ To build greater international collaboration to prevent threats to emerging transboundary agriculture and food systems.
• ✓ To address inequalities both between and within countries in opportunities and ownership of assets, including land

5-Critical Analysis

6-Conclusion

Agriculture has been the backbone of human sustenance since the dawn of civilization, providing the vital link between the soil beneath his feet and the nourishment on his plate. As societies evolved, so did the field of agricultural economics as a dynamic discipline that wields the power to reshape the world food system. As it is aptly said by Dr. Agnes Kalibata, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the 2021 Food Systems Summit, “ Changing agricultural economics is a vital step towards building resilient food systems that can withstand the challenges of a rapidly changing world, ensuring food security for generations to come.”  Thus, technological advancements, wide food market dynamics, an efficient, cost-effective supply chain, and spurring research and innovation have enhanced agricultural productivity, food security, and opportunities for rural development. However, in the wake of an evolving set of changes in agricultural product production, distribution, and consumption, the perils of the current agricultural economics certainly have its negatives. For instance, since their evolution, genetically modified crops have disrupted the natural food cycle, thus doing more harm than good. Likewise, liberal agricultural policies have concentrated food systems in fewer hands, which has exacerbated socio-economic inequality. Above all, modern agriculture practices, like the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, have caused environmental hazards globally. Therefore, it is high time that agricultural economics be reconstructed through steps like promoting sustainable agriculture practices, introducing innovative systems protecting and enhancing the natural resource base, initiating transformative processes towards ‘holistic’ approaches, such as climate-smart agriculture, and building more significant international so that the sustainable world food system can be achieved. The essay deals with the relationship between agricultural economics and the world food system, mainly focusing on the positive and negative impacts of the former on the latter with suggestions to maximize the benefits while minimizing the drawbacks.

Theoretically, the “World Food System” and “The Economics of Agriculture” dimensions are integral in shaping food production, circulation, and utilization worldwide and impacting the living and non-living aspects. Agricultural economics, on the one hand, encompasses the study of resource allocation, efficiency, and decision-making processes within the agricultural sector. It is crucial in understanding food and agricultural products’ production, distribution, and consumption. On the other hand, the world food system is a complex network that considers economic, social, and environmental factors influencing global food production, distribution, and consumption, influencing food availability, affordability, and sustainability globally. In sum, agricultural economics and the world food system are intricate fields that collectively ensure a stable and equitable food supply.

Throughout history, the advancing economics of agriculture has significantly impacted the world food system, resulting in positive and negative outcomes. Among the positive impacts, technological advancements have been crucial in increasing agricultural productivity and efficiency. For instance, the Green Revolution, characterized by innovations like Precision Agriculture, Vertical Farming, and mechanization, has almost tripled crop production with only a thirty per cent increase in cultivated land area. Such improvements have enhanced food availability and contributed to meeting the demands of a growing world population. Hence, integrating advanced technologies has paved the way for efficient food production for the worldwide population. 

Moreover, wide market dynamics have widely also influenced the world food system through strategies like crop diversification, regenerative agriculture, and genetic modification of plants. First, by diversifying crops , farmers have been able to produce a diverse range of food items, which, as a result, have reduced reliance on a few staple crops and enhanced food availability and affordability, providing a plethora of food options for every stratum of society. Additionally, regenerative agricultural practices focus on sustainable land management, improving soil health, and boosting crop yields in an environmentally friendly manner. Not only this, genetic modification of plants has enabled the development of high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties, increasing overall food production and ensuring a stable food supply. Thus, wide market dynamics have expanded the range of available food choices and helped make food more affordable, improving food access and nutrition for communities worldwide. 

Another positive impact of agricultural economics on the global food system is an efficient and cost-effective supply chain. The uninterrupted and timely distribution of fresh-produced edible items due to quick transportation mechanisms and bulk production has, ultimately, led to enhancing food security and reducing the risk of hunger and malnutrition. One compelling case study is the horticulture development in Kenya, which has witnessed substantial improvements in food availability and food security within Kenya and bolstered the country’s position as a reliable exporter of horticultural products to international markets. So, the streamlined supply chain has become instrumental in reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring a consistent supply of nutritious food to consumers, thus alleviating hunger and malnutrition.

Last but not least, spurring research and innovation in agricultural economics has paved the way for rural development. Investing in agricultural research makes the development of new crop varieties, improved farming techniques like drip irrigation, and innovative agricultural practices possible. These advancements have resulted in higher crop yield, enhanced resource utilization efficiency, and increased income opportunities for rural communities. As a result, the purchasing power of the natives and their standards of living have improved. Moreover, it has encouraged the growth of the economies, creating a sustainable pathway for rural development. In sum, through research and innovation, the agricultural sector has witnessed transformative changes, contributing to the overall progress and prosperity of rural regions and enhancing the well-being of their inhabitants.

While the advancing economics of agriculture has brought about numerous positive impacts on the world food system, it has also given rise to some negative consequences. One prominent negative impact is the introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops, which has raised concerns about disturbing the natural food cycle and its implications on biodiversity. For instance, the BT crop in India that was genetically engineered to resist bollworms- a common pest that damages cotton crops- without the need for excessive insecticides has done more harm than good in the long run despite initially showing promise in reducing infestations. Studies have indicated that BT crops adversely affect non-target insects, including beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. Further, the lack of genetic diversity resulting from the widespread cultivation of GM crops also makes agricultural systems vulnerable to potential risks, such as diseases or pests that can target specific genetic traits. 

Another concerning aspect is the implementation of liberal and capital-intensive agricultural policies. The policies have inadvertently contributed to the concentration of the food system in the hands of a few powerful entities, leading to imbalances within the agricultural sector. For instance, in Pakistan, feeble attempts at land reforms have limited land ownership, access to resources, and market power in the ambit of feudal lords only. Consequently, marginalized farmers and local communities have to face more significant challenges in accessing resources and obtaining fair product prices, perpetuating economic disparity and hindering inclusive development. Unfortunately, the malpractice is not unique to Pakistan; it is a prevalent issue worldwide, exacerbating socio-economic inequalities on a global scale.

Moreover, the advancing economics of agriculture has led to a decline in food quality due to vulnerabilities and disruptions within the food system. Economic factors, such as price volatility and supply chain disruptions, have emerged as critical challenges impacting sustainable food security. The vulnerabilities can lead to fluctuations in food prices, making nutritious and high-quality food less accessible to susceptible populations. Moreover, disruptions in the supply chain, often triggered by natural disasters, pandemics, or political conflicts, can further compromise the availability and freshness of food products. Such disruptions can severely affect food safety and quality, affecting consumers and producers. Thus, damage to the production-consumption cycle negatively impacts the world food system.

Above all, modern farming practices adopted in agricultural economics with time have, unfortunately, caused severe environmental degradation. Deforestation, soil degeneration, and water depletion have been aggravated rapidly with the widespread adoption of intensive agricultural methods. First, the expansion of agricultural land has resulted in deforestation, leading to ecosystems and biodiversity loss. Moreover, intensive farming practices, such as monoculture and excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, have resulted in soil degradation and water pollution by leaching harmful chemicals from these practices. Additionally, the over-extraction of water for irrigation has depleted water resources, exacerbating water scarcity in various regions. One such example is India, where inefficient irrigation methods, including flood irrigation, have led to significant water wastage, causing the depletion of aquifers. Thus, the advancing agricultural strategies have badly disrupted the food system ecologically throughout the world.

As the perils seem to be overpowering the perks, it is high time that farsighted steps must be taken to mitigate the negative impacts or at least keep the balance. For this purpose, the economics of agriculture must undergo modifications that prioritize progress and inclusivity. First, sustainable agriculture practices must be promoted to increase food quantity without compromising the quality and culture. These include organic farming, agroforestry, and permaculture, which have already been attempted in many parts of the world due to compromised food quality. Second, implementing innovative systems that protect and enhance the natural resource base while increasing productivity is crucial for long-term food security. Drip irrigation is one of the most significant examples in this regard. It specializes in slowly dripping water into the soil at the root zone, improving crop productivity and ensuring water utilization without wasting an inch. 

Third, a transformative process towards ‘holistic’ approaches, such as agroecology, climate-smart agriculture and conservation agriculture, must be initiated to consider environmental health while adapting any agricultural practice. Fourth, fostering greater international collaboration is essential to prevent emerging transboundary threats to agriculture and the food system. Countries can collectively address global challenges and build a resilient food system by sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources. Last but not least, addressing inequalities both between and within countries, particularly in opportunities and asset ownership, including land, is paramount. For this purpose, land reforms and empowerment of marginalized communities and small-scale farmers must be ensured so that the benefits of agricultural progress are distributed equitably, creating a more inclusive and just food system for all. 

To analyze critically, while agricultural economics have had significant positive impacts, several challenges and areas of concern warrant scrutiny. Above all, the environmental effects of farming malpractices have put the globe’s health at stake. Moreover, despite multiple programs like sustainable development goals (STDs) and millennium development goals (MDGs) initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, issues, such as food insecurity, the rich-poor gap, poverty, and environmental vulnerable practices, have remained intact, that is, the world has badly failed to put the world food system on a sustainable path. Thus, agro-business has leaned more towards self-interest than global food security. In summary, the economics of agriculture have contributed to significant advancements in food production, distribution, and consumption. However, it is critical to address the challenges and limitations it poses. Striking a balance between economic efficiency, social equity, and environmental sustainability is a key to shaping a progressive and resilient world food system. Policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders must collaborate to develop comprehensive strategies prioritising sustainable agricultural practices, promoting equitable food distribution, and safeguarding the planet’s resources for future generations.

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Climate and Agriculture in the Southeast

Next tropical system likely to form in the next week

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Now that Debby is down to a tropical depression and headed out of our region soon, it is time to look ahead to see what is ahead. The National Hurricane Center has another area with a 50% chance of development in the next week somewhere in the western Atlantic. Since there is no center yet, it is difficult to forecast where it will go, but many of the models are predicting that it may turn north before it reaches the East Coast. However, there are models that bring it into the Gulf, so we need to watch it carefully to see what will happen as it becomes more developed. Fortunately, it will be at least a week before it gets close enough to make any management decisions, so that will give producers time to recover from Debby and assess what they need to do next. Remember, the forecast for the number of named storms has the number of storms at around 20-25 this year, which means we may go most of the way through the alphabet before the season is done. If we look at the satellite images over Africa, we can see more waves developing and moving west, and those may become the seeds of the next storms to head our way.

Multi-partner aquaculture research in support of fishpond revitalization

• July 5, 2024

In ancient Hawaiʻi, fishponds were remarkably successful in ensuring a steady supply of food. Yet, efforts to revitalize this traditional aquaculture have encountered challenges. With biennial University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program awards totaling $315,759, two new aquaculture projects led by College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Andre Seale are addressing these problems.

Seale’s studies employ two local species for sustainable aquaculture development: the sea cucumber ( Stichopus horrens ) and ʻamaʻama, or striped mullet ( Mugil cephalus ). His team also includes graduate assistants Tyler Goodearly and Reilly Merlo, who are enrolled in the Nutritional Sciences PhD program, as co-investigators.

Sea cucumbers

To improve the productivity of sea cucumbers, Seale and Goodearly will partner with local producers, fishpond managers and collaborators to devise a species-specific approach for inducing spawning behavior while assessing the viability of larvae. The researchers hope the knowledge gained will provide a framework for overcoming the reproductive dysfunction of sea cucumbers and reliably producing them in Hawaiʻi. Ultimately, it could spearhead national sea cucumber production efforts and lead to practices that will optimize growth in sustainable aquaculture systems, including Hawaiian fishponds.

“This sea cucumber is a good candidate for aquaculture, given its fast reproductive life cycle, ecosystem services rendered as sediment feeders and high value in Asian markets,” said Seale, of the Department of Human Nutrition Food and Animal Sciences .

ʻamaʻama

Natural recruitment of the striped mullet to fishponds has become unreliable, and the introduction of hatchery-raised fry directly into the fishponds has been largely unsuccessful.

In order to better understand how to improve rearing practices and stock enhancement of this species, this project aims to establish strategies to adjust the fingerling hatchery environment to improve its environmental resilience, and optimize survival and growth once introduced to a Hawaiian fishpond setting.

Seale and Merlo will focus on the effects of variable salinity and temperature regimes on physiological markers of growth, stress and salt-and-water regulation in the fish. This will help establish which environmental conditions can best prepare the juvenile mullet for survival in the natural fishpond setting.

“In addition to informing management strategies for rearing the ʻamaʻama in fishponds, the results should also provide further insight into how these native fish might adapt to future changes in climatic conditions,” said Seale.

Related Posts:

• Sea cucumber cultivation challenged by climate change
• $1.25M award to increase kampachi, shrimp production
• Could fishponds help with Hawaiʻi’s food sustainability?
• previous post: Certain reef fish provide insight to surviving climate change
• next post: $4.6M project turns to non-invasive plants in fight against wildfires

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USDA USDA-NIFA-OP-009753: 2023 Food and Agricultural Education Information System (FAEIS)

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The Food and Agricultural Education Information System (FAEIS), under assistance listing number 10.200, is a comprehensive database that gathers information, on a voluntary basis, from degree granting institutions of higher education on student enrollment in Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences (FANH), degrees awarded, and graduate placement at all degree levels and by gender, race, and other relevant categories. In addition, data is collected on faculty salaries by rank and discipline.

Funding under this authority provides funds to administer the FAEIS database. The applicant will: 1. Collect and maintain an accurate, verified and validated set of data, with a focus on FANH sciences from institutions of higher education in the United States. 2. Maintain and enhance an online platform offering user-friendly access to the data for students, institutions, industry, Federal agencies, and the public at large. 3. Facilitate outreach and dissemination of information on both FAEIS itself and outcomes from FAEIS data to NIFA, contributors of the data, and other users of data. 

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