INTRODUCTION:
The definition of agriculture
according to FAO is “The art, science and business of cultivating plants and
animals for human use.” It is an economic sector that includes crops, livestock,
forestry and fishery. The disciplines of agronomy, horticulture and animal
husbandry are employed in agriculture. The importance of agriculture can be
understood by the fact that it is the back bone of economic development of a
country. In developed countries, the agricultural sector accounts for a very
small percentage of GDP. However, in developing countries, the agricultural
sector accounts for a large percentage. The role of agriculture in the economy
is very important. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for the
majority of population in developing countries. It contributes to GDP of the
country and is also a major source of foreign exchange earnings. The challenges
faced by agriculture are many. The most important challenge is the declining
productivity of land due to the climate change. It is prone to natural
disasters. Agriculture should be a priority for any government seeking to
promote economic growth and development.
IMPORTANCE
OF AGRICULTURE:
Agriculture is critical to the
survival of human beings. It is the primary source of food and clothing for
people all over the world. For many nations, agriculture is a significant
source of income. In developing countries, it accounts for a large portion of
the GDP. Agriculture is responsible for the food we eat, the clothes we wear
and the fuel we use. It is a vital part of the global economy and its
importance will only continue to grow in the future. As the world population
continues to grow, there will be more demand for food, clothing and fuel.
Agriculture will need to increase its production to meet this demand. This will
require new technologies and practices. Farmers will need to become more
efficient and productive. They will need to adopt new methods of sustainable
agriculture. The future of agriculture is bright but its success will depend on
the ability of farmers to meet the expectations of a changing world.
ROLE
OF AGRICULTURE IN THE ECONOMY:
Agriculture plays a vital role
in the economy of any country. It is the primary source of food and other raw
materials. It is also a major source of employment. In developing nations,
agriculture can make up as much as 50% of the GDP, compared to a modest
fraction in affluent nations. As such, agriculture contributes for a significant
portion of the world's GDP and it is a major employer in many countries. It is
also a great export industry, with agricultural products being shipped all over
the world. Aside from its economic importance, agriculture also plays a
significant role in the cultural and social life of a country. In many
cultures, agriculture is seen as a way of life and it is often passed down from
generation to generation. Agriculture also plays a role in environmental
conservation, as it helps to preserve open spaces and natural habitats.
CHALLENGES
FACED BY AGRICULTURE:
The 21st century has brought
with it many challenges for the agriculture industry. With a growing population
and a changing climate, farmers must adapt their practices to meet the demands
of global market. Additionally, agriculture must compete with other industries
for finite resources such as land, water and labor. Despite the challenges
faced by agriculture, the industry continues to contribute to global economy.
In 2016, the agriculture sector generated $1.07 trillion in GDP, making it one
of the largest economic sectors in the world. The industry is also a major
employer, with over 1.3 billion people working in agriculture world wide.
Looking to the future, the agriculture industry must continue to adapt to changing
needs of the world. With the right policies and innovations in place, the
industry can overcome the challenges of 21st century and continue to thrive.
HOW
TO OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES?:
The world's population is growing
at an unprecedented rate and with it the demand for food. Agricultural
production will need to increase about 60% by 2050 to meet this demand. But
agriculture faces some serious challenges that must be overcome, if we are to
meet this goal. Water shortages, climate change and soil degradation are just
some of the challenges faced by agriculture. And with the clock ticking, we
need to find innovative ways to address these challenges and boost the food
production. Technology will play a crucial role in overcoming barriers in
agriculture sector. From innovations in irrigation to new methods of crop
protection, we need to embrace technology for better production. It's not going
to be easy, but if we work together, we can overcome the challenges faced by
agriculture and ensure a bright future for generations to come. Here are some
of the ways we can overcome the challenges confronted by agriculture:
1. By investing in research and
development
2. By promoting sustainable
practices
3. By increasing public
awareness
4. By investing in
infrastructure
5. By diversifying our
agricultural products
WHY
AGRICULTURE SHOULD BE PRIORITY?:
There are many reasons why
agriculture should be a priority for both developed and developing countries.
For one, agriculture is the primary source of food and livelihood for a large
percentage of the world’s population. In 2016, the United Nations’ Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimated that around 795 million people – or
one in nine people – were suffering from chronic under nourishment. Of these,
almost 600 million were in Asia and about 265 million in Africa. But hunger is
not the only reason why agriculture matters. Agriculture is also a key driver
of economic growth and development. The sector employs close to 40% of the
global work force and generates US$3.2 trillion in value added annually. What’s
more, the sector is expected to grow up to US$1 trillion by 2030.
CONCLUSION:
Agriculture is the science, art
and practice of producing crops and livestock. Agriculture is the main source
of food, fiber and fuel for human. It is also the main source of livelihood for
many people around the world. Agriculture is the back bone of any economy. Despite
its importance, agriculture faces many challenges. The deteriorating climate is
one of the most difficult issues. Agriculture is also affected by pests and
diseases. Another challenge is the high cost of inputs such as seeds,
fertilizer and water. Agriculture should be a priority for any country because
it is the foundation of economy. In a world where the population is growing and
the demand for food is higher than ever, it is crucial that we prioritize
agriculture. Not only does agriculture provide us with the food we need to
survive but it is also a major source of jobs and income. In fact, agriculture
is one of the largest employers in the world, providing jobs for over 1.3
billion people.
