Agricultural Development
Agricultural development refers to the numerous efforts and strategies employed to enhance farm productivity and meet the ever-growing demands of a rising population. To accomplish this, farmers increase arable land, intensify crop cycles, and adopt better irrigation practices. The incorporation of fertilizers and high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds plays a significant role in boosting production levels. Mechanization also represents a key aspect of agricultural development, transforming farming into a more efficient and effective endeavor. Ultimately, the primary objective is to achieve food security, ensuring all individuals can reliably access sufficient and nutritious food.
The chapter also highlights the disparity in agricultural practices between developing and developed countries. In developing nations, farmers typically engage in intensive agriculture on small homesteads for subsistence, focusing on immediate family needs. In contrast, farmers in developed countries usually manage larger operations characterized by commercial farming, utilizing advanced technologies and efficient methods to maximize yields. The section also includes two case studies: one illustrating a small farmer in India and the other detailing a farm in the USA, showcasing significant contrasts between the two agricultural systems.