Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture can simply be defined or described as the art and science of cultivation of crops and rearing of farm animals for human use. Agriculture involves the growing of plants and the rearing of farm animals to provide for our needs, the most important of which is food.

History of Agriculture

Agriculture is one of the world's oldest industries, beginning around 10,000 years ago. It started when some people in the Middle East began farming. Before that time, people spent most of their time searching or hunting for food. With the advent of farming, not everyone had to work to find food.

Many farmers today use modern machines such as powerful tractors and plows. They use better seeds that grow stronger crops. Additionally, many farmers use chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides. Fertilizers help plants grow, while pesticides kill insects and other pests that harm crops. However, some farmers choose not to use these chemicals and are called organic farmers.

Branches of Agriculture

• Animal science
• Veterinary medicine
• Soil science
• Crop production
• Agricultural economics and farm management
• Agricultural engineering
• Agricultural extension
• Forestry and wildlife conservation

Importance of Agriculture

• Provision of food
• Provision of materials for clothing
• Provision of materials for shelter
• Provision of income for farmers
• Provision of employment
• Development of towns
• Provision of facilities for recreation and tourism
• Provision of raw materials for industries in a nation

Classification of Plants Based on Their Life Span

Plants are commonly grouped into annuals, biennials, and perennials based on their life cycles.

Annuals

These plants complete their entire life cycles and die within a season, which may last from a few months to a year.

Examples of Annuals

• Rice
• Wheat
• Maize
• Bean
• Flax
• Jute
• Sunflower

Biennials

These plants grow during the first season and use the second season to produce seeds, flowers, and new plants before they die.

Examples of Biennials

• Ginger
• Onion
• Carrot
• Pepper

Perennials

These include plants that grow from year to year, producing flowers, seeds, and fruit for many years.

Examples of Perennials

• Mango
• Coconut
• Banana
• Oil palm
• Ginger
• Pepper
• Rubber tree

Classification of Plants Based on Their Agricultural Purpose or Classification

In agriculture, plants and crops are classified based on the products they produce. They are classified into cereals, legumes, root crops, vegetables, fruits, soil, fiber, latex, forage crops, oils, etc...

Cereals

These are plants that are grown for their grains and belong to the grass family. They contain high starch content.

Examples of Cereals

• Rice
• Maize
• Millet
• Wheat

Legumes

These plants have a high protein content and replenish soil nutrients due to nitrogen-fixing bacteria on their roots, making them important for crop rotation.

Examples of Legumes

• Soybean
• Oil bean
• Cowpea
• Groundnut
• Pigeon pea
• Lima bean

Root Crops

These are mainly grown for the starch they produce and are staple foods in many tropical countries.

Examples of Root Crops

• Yam
• Cassava
• Sweet potato

Vegetables

Vegetables provide dietary vitamins and certain minerals like calcium.

Examples of Vegetables

• Spinach
• Onion
• Bitter leaf
• Tomato
• Cabbage

Fruits

Most of these plants are grown for their fruits, which are rich sources of vitamins, especially A and C. Most fruits are eaten raw.

Examples of Fruits

• Mango
• Orange
• Banana
• Watermelon
• Pineapple
• Apple

Beverages and Drugs

Crops like cacao, coffee, tobacco, and quinine yield products such as food drinks (cocoa and coffee), stimulants (tobacco), and medicine (quinine).

Examples of Beverages and Drugs