Agriculture products are derived from cultivated plants or animals to sustain or enhance human life. Food is the most widely produced agricultural product. Agricultural products fall into one of four groups: foods, fuels, fibres, and raw materials. Any agricultural commodity or product, whether raw or processed, including any commodity or product derived from livestock, for human or livestock consumption. Textiles, flowers, food, seed, plants, and feed. Agricultural production includes these activities: Agriculture: cultivating the soil; planting; raising, and harvesting crops; rearing, feeding, and managing animals. Aquaculture: raising private aquatic animals (fish). floriculture: growing flowering plants. Horticulture: growing fruits, vegetables, and plants. Sugar cane harvesting. Silviculture: growing and caring for fresh trees. You can find the businesses that grow, manufacture and supply.
Many raw materials, whether it's cotton, sugar, wood, or palm oil, come from agriculture. These materials are essential to major industries in ways many people aren't even aware of, such as the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, diesel fuel, plastic, and more.
Civilization began with agriculture, and though humanity has changed significantly, agriculture still remains very important. In certain countries, its significance is more obvious, but the reality is that every country in the world depends on agriculture for one thing or another. Here are ten reasons why agriculture is important:
It’s the main source of raw materials
Many raw materials, whether it’s cotton, sugar, wood, or palm oil, come from agriculture. These materials are essential to major industries in ways many people aren’t even aware of, such as the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, diesel fuel, plastic, and more
It’s important for international trade
Raw materials from agriculture make up a huge portion of what’s traded internationally. Countries with plenty of those supplies export them and trade for materials they don’t have.
It plays a big role in a nation’s revenue
Speaking of trade, developing countries still get most of their national income from agricultural exports. While developed countries don’t depend on agriculture as much as they used to, their economies would definitely take a hit if all exports suddenly stopped.
It provides employment
The agricultural industry is still one of the biggest sources of employment and in many areas, it’s actually booming. Whether it’s working as a farmer, harvester, technician for farm equipment, scientist, and so on, there are plenty of jobs available in this field.
It’s crucial to a country’s development
Economic development is tied to a country’s agriculture sector. When trade, national revenue, and employment are combined in a positive way, a country enjoys reduced poverty and boosted economic growth.
It can help heal the environment
Agriculture possesses the power to harm or heal. When farmers prioritize biodiversity on their land, it benefits the earth. Having more biodiversity results in healthier soil, less erosion, better water conservation, and healthier pollinators.
It goes hand-in-hand with war
Agriculture is such an important part of a country’s infrastructure, it makes sense it would impact conflicts and war. Throughout history, the need for land to grow food fueled many conflicts.
It’s the source of our food supply
Arguably the most important aspect of agriculture is that it’s the source of the world’s food supply. No matter where or what you are eating, the ingredients in your meals came from somewhere. All roads lead to agriculture.
It drives innovation in technology
Because healthy agriculture is so essential to a country’s well-being, it’s been the setting of some of the most exciting innovations in technology.
The state of agriculture reflects our future
When it comes to pollution and climate change, the environment and agriculture suffer the quickest and with the clearest consequences. If effective changes aren’t made, climate change’s impact on agriculture will decimate a country’s economy and eventually wipe out the food supply.
Find all the products related to agriculture in Zambia here