What is agriculture and what are agricultural practices?

Question

What is agriculture and what are agricultural practices?

Answer 1

The term agriculture has been derived from two Latin words: ager meaning ‘land’ and cultura meaning ‘cultivation’. Agriculture thus means cultivation of land and rearing of

animals.

The branch of science which deals with methods of food production is known as agriculture.This deals  with food production,growing better variety of crops & managing the animals & birds for  farm work & better yield of food like egg, meat etc.

there are various steps involved in agricultural practices

1. Preparation of the soil--ploughing & turning the soil loose with the help of ploughs,spade &other mechanical implements

2.sowing the seeds--treating the seeds with fungicides & sowing them  with hand or using a seed drill.

preparing a seed bed & growing seedlings when plants are transplanted like paddy

adding weedicides to remove the weeds.

3.. adding fertilizers

4.Irrigation--supply water

5.spraying pesticides to protect crops

6.Harvesting --  using  sickle, mechanical  harvesters, combines

7.storage--- drying the crops in case of cereals & pulses & storing in  air tight containers like gunny bags  in moisture proof, rat  proof godowns.

To maintain the fertility of the soil & to get better yield rotation of crops (cereals & pulses alternating) multiple croppng methods are followed.

Good agricultural practices should--

    * Economically and efficiently produce sufficient, safe  and nutritious food ;

    * Sustain and enhance natural resources;

    * Maintain viable farming enterprises and contribute to sustainable livelihoods;

    * Meet cultural and social demands of society.