Importance of Agriculture (Continued) and Branches of Agriculture - JSS2 Agricultural science Past Questions and Answers - page 2
How does conventional agriculture differ from organic agriculture?
Conventional agriculture emphasises sustainable and natural farming practices
Organic agriculture relies heavily on synthetic inputs
Conventional agriculture discourages technological advancements
Organic agriculture neglects the importance of biodiversity
What is a key challenge addressed by sustainable agriculture practices?
Maximising resource exploitation
Ignoring global perspectives in farming
Balancing agricultural productivity with environmental conservation
Limiting the use of technology in farming
How does agribusiness contribute to the global agricultural system?
By focusing solely on small-scale, local farming
By integrating various agricultural activities into large-scale, commercially-oriented enterprises
By avoiding the economic aspects of farming
By discouraging technological advancements in agriculture
What is a potential consequence of overreliance on technological advancements in agriculture?
Enhanced efficiency and sustainability in farming
Ignoring the economic aspects of agriculture
Environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity
Maximising resource exploitation
Why is it important to discuss global perspectives on agriculture?
To limit awareness of diverse farming practices worldwide
To emphasise the isolation of agricultural practices within individual countries
To acknowledge the interconnectedness of agriculture on a global scale
To discourage technological advancements in farming
Compare and contrast subsistence agriculture and commercial agriculture.
Subsistence agriculture focuses on meeting the food needs of the farmer and their family, typically on a small scale with minimal surplus for sale. In contrast, commercial agriculture is oriented towards profit and market-oriented production, often involving large-scale farming practices and specialised crops or livestock. Subsistence farming relies heavily on traditional methods and manual labour, while commercial agriculture utilises modern technologies and machinery for efficiency and higher yields.
Explain the concept of mixed farming and its advantages.
Mixed farming involves the simultaneous cultivation of crops and raising of livestock on the same farm. One advantage of mixed farming is increased resource utilisation and efficiency, as crop residues can be used as feed for animals, and animal manure can fertilise crops. Additionally, mixed farming diversifies income sources and reduces dependency on a single agricultural enterprise.
How do technological advancements in agriculture contribute to increased productivity, resource efficiency, and sustainability in modern agriculture?
Technological advancements have revolutionised agriculture, leading to increased productivity and sustainability. Precision farming utilises technologies like GPS and sensors to optimise crop management practices, resulting in precise application of inputs, reduced waste, and improved resource efficiency. Genetic engineering enables the development of crops with enhanced traits such as pest resistance, drought tolerance, and higher yields, addressing challenges in food production and environmental sustainability.
Examine current issues and future trends in agriculture.
Current issues in agriculture, including climate change, food security, and the adoption of emerging technologies, pose significant challenges. Discussing these challenges provides insights into the complex landscape of modern agriculture. Additionally, exploring future trends, such as advancements in precision agriculture and sustainable practices, offers a glimpse into the potential trajectory of the agricultural sector.
Explore the global perspectives on agriculture, focusing on cash crops and livestock farming systems.
Agriculture varies globally due to regional factors such as climate, geography, and cultural preferences. Cash crops are grown for sale rather than personal consumption, with regions specialising in crops like coffee, cocoa, and cotton based on suitability for local climates and soil conditions. Livestock farming systems vary in methods and scale, influenced by regional resources and cultural traditions. These agricultural practices have economic and social implications, providing income opportunities for farmers, supporting rural livelihoods, and contributing to local and global food supply chains.