Page 2 - Introduction to Agriculture by: Aqleem Abbas

Introduction to Agriculture Notes prepared by: Aqleem Abbas

INTRODUCTION TO AGRICULTURE

The word agriculture is derived from the Latin word ager………….its mean soil and cultural means cultivation. Simply
we can say cultivation of soil

Technical definition

It is the science in art of farming including the work of cultivating the soil, producing the crops and raising livestock.

It has two main branches 1. Crops 2. Animals

CROPS

1. Forestry
2. Crops
Animals
1. Fisheries
2. Livestock
Components of agriculture
It has four components
1. Crops 54 %
2. Livestock 41 %
3. Fisheries 4.5 %
4. Forestry .5 %

IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE
1. Supply or provide us food and fiber
2. Contributes about 25 % in GDP
3. Agriculture provides raw materials to industries.
4. Agriculture provides 80 % in foreign exchange.
5. 45 % labor force in Pakistan are engaged in agriculture
6. It is backbone of our country.

AGRONOMY
It is derived from Greek word agro—field Nomo’s –manage—so development and management of
crop and soil sciences to produce abundant high quality food and fibers in a protected
environment. Students who study agronomy are called agronomist.

Causes of low yield in Pakistan

Maize is 70 % less than America and Canada.
Our yield is low because low soil fertility. Our soil is 60 percent deficient in nutrients.