Agriculture is the process of cultivating crops, raising livestock and other plants for food. It is essential to sustaining human life and helping countries develop economies that create jobs and raise incomes. It also impacts the environment, making it a key part of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
It has been practiced since thousands of years and continues today worldwide to feed the world’s population. Agricultural scientists study how to produce high-quality foods that are nutritious and taste good. They also study the genetics of certain plants and animals, trying to breed them for greater flavor or texture, such as a sweeter apple or cherry that is more tart.
They study how to use fertilizers and water to grow crops, including crop rotation and irrigation. They also research ways to reduce the amount of chemical inputs into the soil and water to improve soil health.
Scientists also study the production of fiber, including hemp, flax and linen as well as animal fibers like silk, mohair, wool, llama, cashmere and alpaca. They also study the production of natural dyes and paints, including indigo, which is a blue dye made from a plant.
There are two major types of agricultural practices: conventional and sustainable agriculture. Conventional agriculture involves changing the environment to plant crops for human consumption, while sustainable agriculture is more aligned with nature.
In conventional agriculture, farmers often use insecticides and pesticides to control insects and animals that eat the crops. These chemicals are poisonous to both humans and animals, and they contaminate the soil, streams, rivers, groundwater and oceans.
Sustainable agriculture is more aligned with nature, and it focuses on growing the most food with the least impact on the environment. The most common form of sustainable farming is organic agriculture, which means that the farmer uses no pesticides or herbicides.
It is also important to note that the majority of people still rely on traditional subsistence agriculture, or agriculture that requires little modern technology or capital investment. This type of farming can be profitable if the land is suitable for it and the farmer has the skills to produce enough crops.
This type of farming is often more costly than conventional agriculture, but it is better for the environment and the farmers. It is more sustainable and a way to help solve the world’s food shortages.
Farming is a profession that can be very rewarding for those who have the right background and passion. It is a great career for people with an entrepreneurial spirit, and there are many opportunities to become a farmer in Canada, especially in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
A person who wants to become a farmer must have some practical on-farm experience and a good understanding of agricultural production, which is why it is important to choose a college or university that offers agronomy, agroforestry, or other courses in agriculture and plant science to prepare for a career in the field.
