Agriculture

Definition

• Agriculture is the main occupation of people in many parts of the world and is closely linked with environmental balance. This chapter explains how farming depends on natural resources like land, soil, water, climate, and biodiversity, and how unsustainable practices can cause environmental problems.

Importance of Agriculture

• Provides food, raw materials, and employment.
• Heavily dependent on natural resources, so it is highly vulnerable to climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity.

Types of Farming (from an EVS perspective)

• Subsistence Farming – Done on small plots, usually with traditional tools. It causes little harm to the environment, but may lead to deforestation if land is expanded.
• Intensive Farming – Produces high yields but often depends on heavy use of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation, leading to soil and water pollution.
• Shifting Cultivation – Practiced in forest areas where land is cleared by burning trees. It damages forests and causes soil erosion if done excessively.
• Organic Farming – Uses natural fertilizers and eco-friendly techniques, helping in sustainable agriculture.

Agricultural Practices & Environmental Impact

• Overuse of fertilizers and pesticides leads to soil and water pollution, harming biodiversity.
• Over-irrigation causes salinization and waterlogging.
• Deforestation for farming reduces biodiversity and increases carbon emissions.
• Monocropping reduces soil fertility over time.
• Sustainable practices like crop rotation, mixed farming, agroforestry, and rainwater harvesting help protect the environment.

Need for Sustainable Agriculture

• Agriculture should meet present food needs without harming future generations.
• Promoting organic farming, soil conservation, efficient irrigation, and use of renewable energy in farming are key to sustainability.

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