Definition of Agriculture - SS1 Agriculture Lesson Note

Agriculture is a multifaceted and essential human endeavor that encompasses a wide range of activities related to the cultivation of crops, the rearing of animals, and the production of various natural resources for the purpose of sustaining and enhancing human life. It can be defined as:

 

"Agriculture is the systematic and deliberate practice of cultivating plants, raising animals, and managing natural resources to produce food, fiber, and other valuable products, while also maintaining and improving the quality of the environment."

 

This definition highlights several key aspects of agriculture:

 

Cultivation of Plants: Agriculture involves the growing of crops such as grains, fruits, vegetables, and cash crops like cotton or sugarcane. This aspect focuses on the cultivation of the land to produce plant-based products.

 

Rearing of Animals: Animal husbandry is an integral part of agriculture, encompassing the care, breeding, and utilization of livestock for various purposes, including meat, milk, and wool production.

 

Resource Management: Agriculture involves the responsible management of natural resources such as soil, water, and air to ensure sustainable production while minimizing negative environmental impacts.

 

Production of Diverse Products: Beyond food, agriculture also yields raw materials for industries (e.g., timber, cotton for textiles), biofuels, and other essential products like medicines.

 

Environmental Stewardship: Sustainable agriculture seeks to balance productivity with environmental conservation by implementing practices that minimize soil erosion, pollution, and habitat destruction.