The Many Faces of Agriculture
Agriculture is a very important activity for the survival of human beings on this earth.
This is clearly reflected in the very basic fact that agriculture is one of the oldest activities of humankind.
The term 'agriculture' includes both the cultivation of crops and the domestication of animals.
As the most profound resource, agriculture provides food, clothing and shelter to us.
With the spread of knowledge of the most advanced implements, there has been immense progress in the spread of agriculture, as well as agricultural output.
The use of agricultural machinery, scientific methods of farming and diversification of crops have improved the overall production of agricultural crops the world over.
The study of agriculture is important because it has been classified into different agricultural types, each with its unique characteristic features.
These varied types are:- i)Shifting cultivation - Also known as 'slash and burn agriculture', this method of agriculture is important because it is subsistence 'primitive' farming.
Practiced mostly by tribal nomads, this farming involves the clearing of forests for cultivation purposes.
Generally, root crops are grown, like - millets, cassava, yams, rice or maize.
ii)Extensive agriculture - This is 'commercial' type of farming, important due to agro products, which are 'market oriented'.
The large quantities of food grains are grown basically for sale.
Most of the farms are highly mechanized.
The main areas of extensive agriculture in the world are - 'Steppe lands' of Russia, 'Prairies' of Canada and US, 'Pampas' of Argentina, and 'Downs' of Australia.
iii)Plantation farming - A 'Monoculture' type of farming, it is the practice of 'specialization' of one crop in large estates.
The product is processed before it is marketed, and this is quite a profitable venture in the international market.
The important crops are - cocoa, coffee, tea, rubber and sugarcane.
iv)Mixed farming - In this, crops are grown and cattle are reared, side by side, on 'moderately' large farms.
Remnant parts of crops serve as animal fodder, and dung is used for fertilizing the soil.
The importance of this type of agriculture is that the farmer can supplement his income from the sale of a variety of farm products.
v)Truck farming - This agricultural activity involves the cultivation of vegetables away from the market.
Vegetables are supplied to urban markets in trucks, to cater to the needs of the people living in towns and cities.
It is essentially an intensive type of farming.
One more important type of agriculture is - 'Horticulture'.
This is the growing of fruits and flowers! However, the foundation of this type of farming lies in the efficient system of transport.
While all the Mediterranean countries specialize in fruit cultivation, the Netherlands is world famous for its cultivation of beautiful tulips!
This is clearly reflected in the very basic fact that agriculture is one of the oldest activities of humankind.
The term 'agriculture' includes both the cultivation of crops and the domestication of animals.
As the most profound resource, agriculture provides food, clothing and shelter to us.
With the spread of knowledge of the most advanced implements, there has been immense progress in the spread of agriculture, as well as agricultural output.
The use of agricultural machinery, scientific methods of farming and diversification of crops have improved the overall production of agricultural crops the world over.
The study of agriculture is important because it has been classified into different agricultural types, each with its unique characteristic features.
These varied types are:- i)Shifting cultivation - Also known as 'slash and burn agriculture', this method of agriculture is important because it is subsistence 'primitive' farming.
Practiced mostly by tribal nomads, this farming involves the clearing of forests for cultivation purposes.
Generally, root crops are grown, like - millets, cassava, yams, rice or maize.
ii)Extensive agriculture - This is 'commercial' type of farming, important due to agro products, which are 'market oriented'.
The large quantities of food grains are grown basically for sale.
Most of the farms are highly mechanized.
The main areas of extensive agriculture in the world are - 'Steppe lands' of Russia, 'Prairies' of Canada and US, 'Pampas' of Argentina, and 'Downs' of Australia.
iii)Plantation farming - A 'Monoculture' type of farming, it is the practice of 'specialization' of one crop in large estates.
The product is processed before it is marketed, and this is quite a profitable venture in the international market.
The important crops are - cocoa, coffee, tea, rubber and sugarcane.
iv)Mixed farming - In this, crops are grown and cattle are reared, side by side, on 'moderately' large farms.
Remnant parts of crops serve as animal fodder, and dung is used for fertilizing the soil.
The importance of this type of agriculture is that the farmer can supplement his income from the sale of a variety of farm products.
v)Truck farming - This agricultural activity involves the cultivation of vegetables away from the market.
Vegetables are supplied to urban markets in trucks, to cater to the needs of the people living in towns and cities.
It is essentially an intensive type of farming.
One more important type of agriculture is - 'Horticulture'.
This is the growing of fruits and flowers! However, the foundation of this type of farming lies in the efficient system of transport.
While all the Mediterranean countries specialize in fruit cultivation, the Netherlands is world famous for its cultivation of beautiful tulips!
