importance of research in agriculture development

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Research and Science

From fostering continued economic growth to adapting to the effects of climate change and addressing food security, the United States can continue to be a leader in global agriculture. Each day, the work of USDA scientists and researchers touches the lives of all Americans - from the farm field to the kitchen table and from the air we breathe to the energy that powers our country.

The challenges facing agriculture, natural resources, and conservation are immense and can be addressed through robust research enterprise and educational programs. USDA intramural and extramural science helps to protect, secure, and improve our food, agricultural and natural resources systems.

USDA Science and Research Strategy, 2023-2026: Cultivating Scientific Innovation

The “ USDA Science and Research Strategy, 2023-2026: Cultivating Scientific Innovation (PDF, 21.4 MB)” presents a near-term vision for transforming U.S. agriculture through science and innovation, and outlines USDA’s highest scientific priorities. The S&RS is a call to action for USDA partners, stakeholders, and customers to join the conversation and help identify innovative research strategies that lead to real-world, practical solutions that help farmers, producers, and communities thrive.

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USDA Science and Research Strategy

AGARDA: A Vision for Disruptive Science to Confront Audacious Challenges

Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AGARDA) Implementation Strategy (PDF, 1.8 MB) is a framework outlining a new approach for delivering disruptive breakthrough discoveries for agriculture.

Strengthening Our Research System

USDA has refocused its science agencies to ensure the most effective and efficient use of its resources, while leveraging the strengths of our partners across the scientific community.

The Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) coordinates USDA research, education and Extension with scientists and researchers across the federal government and university and private partners, to make the best use of taxpayer investments. In 2012, OCS continued focus on the Research, Education and Economics Action Plan (PDF, 486 KB) and identified seven priority research topics:

• Global Food Supply and Security
• Climate and Energy Needs
• Sustainable Use of Natural Resources
• Nutrition and Childhood Obesity
• Food Safety
• Education and Science Literacy
• Rural-urban Interdependence/Rural Prosperity

The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) conducts research to develop and transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority.

The Economic Research Service (ERS) , through science-based economic research and analysis, informs public policy and other decisions about agriculture, food, rural development, and environmental challenges.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts hundreds of surveys every year and prepares reports covering virtually every aspect of U.S. agriculture.

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) supports research, education and Extension programs in the Land-Grant University System and other partner organizations.

Enhancing the Productivity of American Agriculture and Ensuring the Safety of our Food Supply

USDA invests in research, development, and outreach of new varieties and technologies to mitigate animal/plant diseases and increase productivity, sustainability, and product quality. USDA research has supported America's farmers and ranchers in their work to produce a safe and abundant food supply for over 100 years. This work has helped feed the nation and sustain an agricultural trade surplus since the 1960s.

An additional focus is to establish more sustainable systems that enhance crop and animal health. Our scientists and university partners have revealed the genetic blueprints of a host of plants and animals including the genomes of apples, pigs, and turkeys, and in 2012, they furthered understanding of the tomato, bean, wheat and barley genomes -- key drivers in developing the resilience of those crops to feed growing populations.

NASS has developed animated U.S. crop progress and topsoil moisture maps , along with other resources, to help experts assess farmland data. USDA researchers also created the Maize Genome Database, an important tool to help farmers improve traits in a crop vital to the world. Meeting growing global demand for food, fiber, and biofuel requires robust investment in agricultural research and development (R&D) from both public and private sectors. USDA is a leader in remote sensing and mapping to visualize data in support of agricultural policy and business decision making as well as program operation. We ranked first worldwide among research institutions publishing on priority diseases in animal health including salmonellosis, avian influenza , mycobacterial disease, coccidiosis, campylobacterosis, mastitis and others.

USDA conducts and supports science that informs decisions and policies contributing to a safe food supply and the reduction of foodborne hazards. Our scientists found the primary site where the virus that causes foot-and-mouth disease begins infection in cattle and developed an improved vaccine against the disease. They are also working on new strategies to control mites and other major honey bee problems such as colony collapse disorder .

Improving Nutrition and Confronting Obesity

USDA builds the evidence base for food-based and physical activity strategies and develops effective education activities to promote health and reduce malnutrition and obesity in children and high-risk populations. For example, ARS evaluated school characteristics associated with healthier or less healthy food preparation practices and offerings and found that the school nutrition environment could be improved by requiring food service managers to hold nutrition-related college degrees, pass a food service training program, and by participating in a school-based nutrition program such as USDA Team Nutrition .

USDA-supported science is investigating the causes of childhood obesity so that our country can address the epidemic. In these efforts, USDA supports nutrition education programs and encourages Americans to consume more nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables. Our scientists are part of an international team that has found a way to boost the nutritional value of broccoli, tomatoes and corn, and have worked to find ways to bolster the nutritional content of other staple crops like oats and rice. USDA research has supported these efforts, showing how healthy foods can often cost less than foods that are high in saturated fat, added sugar and/or sodium.

In 2013, USDA updated the national assessment of urban and rural food deserts - low-income areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food - and provided information on the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics that distinguish food deserts from other areas, for decision-makers and stakeholders concerned about access to healthy foods.

Conserving Natural Resources and Combating Climate Change

USDA develops and delivers science-based knowledge that empowers farmers, foresters, ranchers, landowners, resource managers, policymakers, and Federal agencies to manage the risks, challenges, and opportunities of climate variability, and that informs decision-making and improves practices in environmental conservation.

Our scientists are developing rice and corn crops that are drought- and flood-resistant and helping to improve the productivity of soil, as well as production systems that require increasing smaller amounts of pesticides or none at all.

Vegetation indices contained in VegScape have proven useful for assessing crop condition and identifying the aerial extent of floods, drought, major weather anomalies, and vulnerabilities of early/late season crops. This tool allows users to monitor and track weather anomalies' effects on crops in near real time and compare this information to historical data on localized levels or across States.

Additionally, our researchers have examined the potential impacts of a suite of climate scenarios on U.S. crop production. Studies like these will help policymakers, farmers, industry leaders and others better understand and adapt to a changing climate on America's crop production.

Our researchers created i-Tree , urban forest management software to help cities understand the value of urban trees through carbon sequestration, erosion protection, energy conservation and water filtration, and since 2009 have continued building on the success of the tool and expanding its use. Our scientists are conducting research on uses of wood, helping companies meet green building design standards and creating jobs using forest products. We have also worked with Major League Baseball to reduce the occurrence of broken baseball bats.

USDA supports families managing through tough economic times by helping residents save energy at home and conserve water, with a program run by Cooperative Extension and our land-grant university partners. Cooperative Extension-affiliated volunteer monitoring programs have engaged citizens in water monitoring to better understand the effects of climate change and/or aquatic invasive species on local waters. Collectively, these programs interacted with hundreds of local, State, and Federal partners. The programs help citizens detect the presence of invasive species and harmful algal blooms.

Science Education and Extension

USDA recognizes the importance of recruiting, cultivating, and developing the next generation of scientists, leaders, and a highly skilled workforce for food, agriculture, natural resources, forestry, environmental systems, and life sciences.

The NIFA interagency agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service leverages technology and innovation and involves youth in STEM outreach and exposure. Youth participants developed science process skills related to using GIS and research design, analyzing and interpreting data, and reporting findings to the community which has enabled them to become better consumers of science and citizens capable of making wise STEM policy choices.

USDA strives to provide effective research, education, and extension activities that inform public and private decision-making in support of rural and community development . NASS holds outreach events throughout the Census cycle with underserved and minority and disadvantaged farming groups to promote participation in the Census of Agriculture . With funding and support from NIFA, many Tribal Colleges are offering Reservation citizens training ranging from basic financial literacy to business start-up and marketing information so that families not only survive, but thrive.

In addition, the ERS Atlas of Rural and Small Town America brings together over 80 demographic, economic, and agricultural statistics for every county in all 50 states and assembles statistics in four broad categories -- people, jobs, agriculture, and geography.

Research and Science Centers and Databases

• Agricultural Network Information Center (AGNIC)
• Agricultural Online Access (AGRICOLA)
• Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC)
• Animal Welfare Information Center (AWIC)
• Current Research Information Center (CRIS)
• Digital Desktop (DigiTop) for Employees
• Food and Nutrition Assistance Research Database
• Food and Nutrition Information Center
• Production, Supply and Distribution Online (PSD Online) Database
• Rural Information Center
• Water and Agricultural Information Center

Agruculture Lore

Why Is Research Important In Agriculture

Research has become an indispensable part of modern agriculture. It is used to solve various problems faced by the agricultural sector, from pest control to land management. Research helps farmers stay ahead of the curve, allowing them to make better decisions, use up-to-date information and make the most out of their crops and land. It’s also essential in understanding the changing climate and developing better strategies for facing challenges brought about by weather conditions.

Research in agriculture helps in the development of new methods and techniques of farming, some of which are more efficient, cost-effective, and ecologically beneficial. These new techniques, if implemented in the right way, can help increase the productivity of a farm and lower the risk to crops. Newer methods are also required in order to tackle the ever-changing pest infestations, soil erosion and other threats.

Moreover, research helps identify suitable crops for particular soils and climates, and lets farmers know which fertilizers and insecticides should be used in order to yield better crops. Research is also necessary for the development of innovative and eco-friendly farming practices, such as more efficient irrigation systems, crop rotation, and sustainable management of natural resources.

Studies are imperative for efficient farm management, as they can provide farmers and agronomists with important indicators about the status of their crops and land. For example, research can help better identify the factors that can influence the growth of crops, such as temperature, soil composition, and amount of sunlight. With this data, farmers can make calculated decisions to maximize their yield and minimize crop damage, such as selecting the best time to sow, irrigate, and harvest.

Furthermore, research in agriculture can help to preserve and improve the quality of life of those who depend on it. Studies have shown that research-based improvements in agricultural methods can lead to higher incomes for farmers and other members of the agricultural workforce. Research has also identified innovative approaches for improving nutrition, which is especially beneficial for enhancing the quality of life in rural communities.

As you can see, research is extremely important in agriculture. It’s essential for the development of efficient and profitable farming methods, as well as for preserving and improving the quality of life of those who depend on farming as their livelihood.

Current trends in agricultural research

At present, agricultural research has advanced to encompass new technologies, such as the use of satellite imagery, advanced agricultural software, and precision farming. Data collected through research is used to better understand the factors that influence the growth and health of crops. This data is also analyzed to identify areas for improvement, such as the optimal arrangement of crops, or the appropriate use of fertilizers.

Furthermore, research is also used to investigate and develop beneficial training and educational opportunities for farmers. Research findings aid agricultural organizations in developing more effective methods for promoting the modern practices of farming. The use of information gleaned from research is also critical for the success of agricultural programs implemented by the government.

In addition to these areas of research, more resources are also being devoted to studying the various genetic components involved in crop production and environmental sustainability. This involves researching and developing new genetic material, as well as gene manipulation tactics. The potential of this kind of research is massive, as it could enable farmers to produce entirely new hybrid varieties of plants, specifically designed to resist certain pests or harsh climatic conditions.

Movements like organic agriculture are further expanding the scope of agricultural research, as a lot of studies are conducted to explore new agro-ecological methods and to understand their environmental, economic, and health benefits.

The impact of agricultural research

The impact of agricultural research is felt in every aspect of agricultural life, from the use of ingenious techniques to boost production to the implementation of improved safety protocols. The use of research-based findings can lead to more efficient cultivation methods and improved product yield.

At the same time, the use of research-based information also helps to minimize risks to farmers and their crops. With access to the right information and resources, farmers can better understand and combat environmental threats and make sound decisions when it comes to preparing fields and crops.

Agricultural research also helps advance food security initiatives, as it can provide us with the data needed to identify nutritious crops and healthy livestock breeds that can help feed a growing global population. Research also enables us to expand our knowledge about the nature of agricultural products and the ways in which we can best use them.

The advancements made in research have also modernized agricultural methods and processes, with studies leading to the introduction of sophisticated machines and equipment that are efficient, reliable, and controlled by smart technologies. Automation is being increasingly used to monitor and manage crop production, from the moment of sowing to the time of harvest. Research-based solutions also enable farmers to reduce labor costs and save resources.

The potential of agricultural research

Agricultural research is essential for maintaining our access to food and other resources. As such, research plays a significant role in global efforts to achieve food security, a sustainable environment, and a healthier population.

As the world’s population and demand for food continue to increase, it is essential that we not only focus our attention on optimizing existing methods, but also direct resources towards discovering new and better ones. Moreover, research is essential for mapping out the ways in which we can help protect our planet for future generations.

Although the application of research-based solutions is still in its early stages in many parts of the world, it can already have a massive positive impact. For example, studies have already identified the use of certain plants as a form of pest control, which could have a huge impact on reducing the use of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides.

Research has also been instrumental in helping create healthier crops and livestock, as studies have shown that it is possible to develop and promote varieties that are resistant to certain diseases and pests. This could help farmers reduce their crop losses and, in turn, improve their incomes.

Research is an indispensable tool in modern agriculture, as it is the key in helping us advance in the areas like pest control, land management, developing new crops, and improving farm management. As our technology rapidly advances, research is also essential in monitoring, customizing, and improving agricultural methods to better serve the world’s population. Additionally, agricultural research might be the catalyst in enabling us to create a sustainable, healthy, and equitable global food system.

Eduardo Villanueva

Eduardo Villanueva is an expert on agricultural sciences, with decades of experience in the field. With a passion for teaching others, Eduardo has written extensively about topics related to sustainable agriculture and food security. His work aims to empower rural farmers and promote responsible farming practices that help preserve the environment for future generations. A dedicated family man, Eduardo lives in central Mexico with his wife and children. He is always looking for ways to connect people and knowledge to create positive changes in their local communities.

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Introduction to "The Role of Agriculture in Economic Development"

MARC RIS BibTeΧ

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Agriculture: science and technology safeguard sustainability

Freelance science writer based in Ithaca, New York, USA and Beijing, China

China has traditionally placed tremendous importance on agricultural research. Meanwhile, in recent years, sustainable agriculture has been increasingly highlighted in both policy agenda and the capital market. However, while terms like environmental friendliness, low carbon, organic and green agriculture have become buzzwords in the media, few meaningful discussions have been raised to examine the relationship between science and technology (S&T) development and sustainable agriculture. What's more, some environmentalists stress that sustainable agriculture should abandon modern agriculture's heavy reliance on science and industrialization, making the link between agricultural S&T and sustainable agriculture seem problematic. What is the truth? If S&T are to play an important role in advancing sustainable agriculture, what is the current status of the field? What factors have caused the sustainable development of agriculture in China? At an online forum organized by the National Science Review ( NSR ), Hepeng Jia, commissioned by NSR executive editor-in-chief Mu-ming Poo, asked four scientists in the field to examine the dynamic relationship between sustainable agriculture and agricultural S&T in the Chinese context.

Jikun Huang

Agricultural economist at Peking University, Beijing, China

Xiaofeng Luo

Agricultural economist at Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China

Jianzhong Yan

Agricultural and environmental scientist at Southwest University, Chongqing, China

Veterinary scientist at Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha, China

Hepeng Jia (Chair)

Science communication scholar at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA

PROPERLY DEFINING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Jia: In recent years, sustainable agriculture has become a hot issue in China. Meanwhile, the term is often confused with organic or green agriculture. In 2015, the State Council issued a national outline on sustainable agriculture. I guess that there should already be an authoritative definition. Let's discuss this first.

Luo: I personally think that low-carbon agriculture, organic agriculture or other concepts have emphasized different aspects of sustainable agriculture. For example, low-carbon agriculture stresses its energy-efficiency. Organic agriculture emphasizes the controlled use of chemical fertilizers and additives. Sustainable agriculture, by comparison, lies at a higher and more comprehensive level.

Yin: I think the concept of sustainable agriculture means that it realizes the balance of supply of agricultural products for contemporary human beings without destroying the resources for and the interests of future generations. It is the long-term stable development of agriculture and resources, but the key is to apply modern science and technology (S&T) to solve the bottleneck problems that restrict the sustainable development of agriculture.

No matter whether this sustainable agriculture features low-carbon agriculture or organic agriculture, the most fundamental aspect of sustainable agriculture is to adopt modern technology. —Yulong Yin

No matter whether this sustainable agriculture features low-carbon agriculture or organic agriculture, the most fundamental aspect of sustainable agriculture is to adopt modern technology. Only focusing on low-carbon agriculture or organic aspects of agriculture is not sustainable.

Jia: Prof. Yin said that technology plays a very important role in sustainable agriculture, but there are also some environmentalists who think that modern agriculture is too deeply affected by technology, which has impacted the sustainability of agriculture.

Huang: I agree with Prof. Luo and Prof. Yin. Sustainable agriculture does not only mean sustainability, but also means the growth of agriculture. Technological innovation is very important. Given the limit of water and land resources, you have to produce more products to meet food demand, you have to increase the productivity, and for certain products, the increased output must be achieved with fewer resources. Genetically modified (GM) crops are one of the many S&T innovations needed to support sustainable agriculture.

Yan: I am also interested in debates on the path of sustainable agriculture. In particular, there are some disputes between developed and developing countries on some aspects of sustainable development. Many developed countries have proposed sustainable development based on the situation of having abundant land resources. They adopt land- and capital-intensive patterns of agriculture and now they have more resources to stress environmental friendliness.

But in many developing countries, they have not come out of the so-called Malthusian trap [Editor's note: population outgrows resources and subsistence, leading to food shortages]. They still have poor people who struggle to make a living, are still destroying the environment and causing environmental pollution. Therefore, the understanding of sustainable agriculture between developed and developing countries may be different. China has some characteristics of developed countries and some characteristics of developing countries.

In the past two or three decades, China has experienced the process of the intensification of agriculture. In particular, China has been experiencing a revolution in agriculture, mainly characterized by the intensive use of labor force and capital in agriculture, for example, in vegetable farming. So, in this respect, we really have had some measures of intensive agricultural development as in developed countries.

On the other hand, the vast western part of China still has not got rid of the Malthusian trap. In these places, the problems of desertification and land loss are still very serious, and even more serious than in the past. So, in general, in terms of sustainable development, we have to adopt different paths to sustainable agriculture in different regions.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

Jia: The panelists have a strong consensus that sustainable agriculture cannot be separated from modern S&T. Now let's examine how S&T innovations can promote sustainable agriculture.

Yin: I believe that achieving sustainable development of agriculture must rely on technology. At the primary level, technology can improve agricultural output, solving the contradiction between huge food demands and limited amounts of farmland.

We consume a lot of meat every day. But meat production is constrained by China's lack of land. For example, we need around 200 million tons of feed per year in China, more than the USA. Over 60% of that is imported. I believe that traditional or organic agriculture cannot fundamentally maintain China's food security and the sustainable development of agricultural restructuring.

In the past 20 years, S&T progress in animal husbandry has increased the survival rate of baby animals by 30% and improved feed conversion by 30%, and reduced nitrogen and ammonia emission by 20%, water consumption by 10% and feces production by 15%. Therefore, modern S&T play a key role in improving animal husbandry's outputs, minimizing its consumption of arable land and water resources, and reducing its pollution emissions. This certainly has contributed to the sustainable agriculture development.

However, domestic livestock and poultry farming still suffer from problems such as low feed utilization rates and epidemic disease. These lead to the inefficient use of food resources, feed waste and environmental pollution.

So, what do we do? We have to rely on modern agricultural technology. We have to improve water utilization efficiency. We must combine the farming and breeding industries. Agricultural mechanization is also very, very important. Some of the young people in our village now go to cities to work, so we have to engage in intelligent agriculture. We must make our agricultural machinery highly efficient, so that we can make our agriculture sustainable.

Luo: In the development of the entire agricultural economy, the important role of S&T goes without saying. First of all, it can compensate for the lack of resources, whether it is land or water. If you have to feed so many people, you must rely on technology under the premise of this rare land or water. Second, technology can also improve the efficiency of our agriculture. Traditionally, food security is the pursuit of the grain output. The reason why we have achieved continued grain output growth in these years is technology improvement.

For sustainable agriculture, China has some characteristics of developed countries and some characteristics of developing countries. —Jianzhong Yan

Then, I think technology is also improving our ecological environment. In recent years, China's agricultural ecological environment has been improved. This is, in large part, because technology plays a role, for example, reducing unnecessary resource consumption in agriculture.

Finally, agriculture is not the same as other industries. It is easily subject to natural disasters. There are many such unpredictable natural disasters. To reduce this risk, it is very important to rely on technology.

Huang: I would also add a little bit. Many technologies can promote the sustainable development of agriculture. Now irrigation technology, including water-saving irrigation technology, is very important. Chemical technology innovation promotes the uses of quality fertilizers and low-toxicity pesticides in China. Various bio-pesticides as well as the biological control of pests will play an important role in our sustainable development.

There are also some big improvements in agronomy, including the systematic integration of farming and animal husbandry. The application of ICTs (information and communication technologies) in agriculture is also emerging. They will have great impact on precision agriculture and more efficient use of resources. I think that the most important thing to talk about is biotechnology, because biotechnology is one of the most important technologies for promoting agricultural development, especially for sustainable agricultural development.

ADVANCING GOOD POLICIES FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Jia: Sustainable agriculture needs a good system to support. Let's explore this aspect further.

Huang: Science and technology innovations are very important to sustainable agriculture, but we need a good incentive system and favorable institutional arrangements for these innovations. We have to provide better incentives for the scientists in the innovations, and appropriate incentives for farmers to use new technologies in agriculture. Generating new technology needs institutional guarantees. If you do not have a good national institutional arrangement, it is also difficult to generate and commercialize innovative technologies.

A pig farm in China as seen from outside. Facing challenges ranging from diseases like African swine fever to improving meat quality, China's animal husbandry is in urgent need of adopting modern S&T to support its sustainable development ( Courtesy of Yulong Yin ).

Jia: We all know that, in 2015, the State Council released a long-term plan for sustainable agriculture (2015–2030). Why is this important? Why do we need a State Council regulation rather than simply a ministry order? How can policies promote technology development for sustainable agriculture?

Science and technology innovations are very important to sustainable agriculture, but we need a good incentive system and favorable institutional arrangements for these innovations. —Jikun Huang

Huang: The development of sustainable agriculture has gone beyond any individual ministries. It is not simply about the environment, agricultural production or agriculture S&T. Therefore, top-level policy design and coordination are necessary.

Yin: I participated in some discussions about the development plan. It involves national food security, financial security and ecological security issues. The agricultural sector alone cannot be relied upon, nor is it completely implemented by the planning departments, nor is it solely done by the environmental agencies. The involvement of National Development and Reform Commissions (NDRC), the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education are all essential. To solve sustainable developments in agriculture, we must achieve the goals set by our agricultural S&T development plan. It needs top-level design and institutional arrangements at the national level so that all agencies can participate.

Then I think the plan enacted by the State Council means that its significance is very high, especially in the background of implementing the Beautiful China task required by President Xi Jinping. When we build a beautiful China, we must do this with sustainable development of agriculture. This is the new agricultural modernization road with Chinese characteristics. Top-level policy design and implementation are a must.

Meanwhile, while China's agricultural and rural economy has made great achievements, we also face some problems, that is, the excessive development of rural resources, the high input in agricultural production, and the excessive use of natural resources, especially groundwater. Therefore, the State Council issued such a document. It is a programmatic outline and an agenda of action.

Luo: The State Council's development plan is not just one document, but it also includes the Beautiful China strategy mentioned by Prof. Yin, which involves many ministries. So, if we want to promote sustainable development of agriculture, we need to have institutional arrangements. This national agricultural sustainable development plan is a type of institutional arrangement. Second, because the situations in different regions are different, the regional sustainable development strategies are definitely not the same.

FROM THE HOUSEHOLD RESPONSIBILITY SYSTEM TO SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Jia: We have discussed institutional arrangements for sustainable agriculture. China's household responsibility system for farmland use [Editor's note: the system enables Chinese peasants to hold long-term farmland-use rights for decades or even longer without legally changing the literal collective land ownership] has resulted in small-scale family farms, which may result in short-sighted behavior in agriculture. Will such short-sighted behavior impact sustainable agriculture?

Huang: The household responsibility system is a basic institutional arrangement in rural China and was the greatest institutional innovation in the past. I do not agree that it resulted in short-sighted behavior. This institutional reform has provided great incentives for farmers to raise productivity and increase agricultural production. Of course, it also leads to small-scale farming systems. But there are also many other institutional innovations that have promoted land consolidation, such as the land transfer platforms and land rental markets. In fact, the usage rights of more than one-third of farmers’ contracted land are now being transferred between farmers.

China does not have the natural conditions to develop big farms as in North and South America, but the scale of land transfers is not low. Let's compare with our neighbors. Japan and South Korea have adopted private ownership of land. But their land transfers in the past century were not higher than China in the past one or two decades. So, the key is not the scale of farms but developing appropriate farm sizes, generating advanced technologies that these farms can use, and offering off-farm jobs to rural laborers so that farm sizes will expand and farmers’ incomes will rise.

Yan: I will add one more point. In the past few years, there has been a lot of comparative research in China, comparing these small family farms with large farms set up on the basis of land transfer. It was found that in Shandong Province's vegetable or tobacco planting, small family farms have higher net returns and more productivity. The reason is simple. Large farms with transferred farmland pay rent and labor costs at the price of non-agricultural workers, but small family-run farms use their own elderly and women. They don’t need to pay wages, so this small farm is completely capable of competing with the ranch.

In fact, we are currently doing a lot of investigations in Chongqing and other southwestern regions. All the farms with transferred land are losing money. After the loss, they have to find local governments to provide them with subsidies. With government subsidies, some big farm operators insisted on operating their farms but made more losses. These facts show that land transfer and the corresponding large farms are not certainly the answer to sustainable agriculture.

China does not have the land resources to encourage large-scale farms like in the USA. Then, should labor- and capital-intensive farms of appropriate sizes be the main direction of our agricultural development?

Jia: Dr Yan has raised an important aspect of China's modern agriculture, the labor- and capital-intensive middle-sized and small farms. Can we elaborate on this in the context of sustainable agriculture?

Yan: This kind of new agriculture now accounts for about one-third of the cultivated land, but its output value is very high.

Conventional agriculture accounts for two-thirds of the country's cultivated land, planting crops such as grain, cotton, and rape, but its output value only accounts for over 10%. We will further pursue this labor- and capital-intensive agriculture in the future. This is because Chinese people have changed their food consumption structure from dominantly relying on grains to consuming a high amount of meat, eggs, vegetables and fruits. This is a natural result of our higher income. This has created good opportunities for sustainable agriculture.

The increasing number of middle-class people and their higher incomes have resulted in a huge demand for high-quality organic products. We do not talk about their production amount but their output value, because the current unit price of organic products is 10 times the unit price of conventional agricultural produce.

In fact, some regions in Shandong Province have already exported this organic agricultural produce to Japan and South Korea. Their tests are very strict. It is said that some of Shandong's organic agricultural produce exports to Japan will undergo tests with more than 600 components. This type of labor- and capital-intensive small farm is transforming our agriculture. Because we now have so many middle-class people, meeting their demands will promote the transformation of agriculture into these high-value small farms.

Yin: I have a slightly different view. The household responsibility system has its own limitations, such as hindering the development of agricultural mechanization. If I only have two or three mu (1 mu = 0.16 acre) of land in my household, how can we engage in agricultural mechanization? This small farm may waste the production resources and the productivity is low.

We have been discussing land transfer. But in my hometown, much farmland is no longer planted. All the young peasants are working in cities. The land is deserted there. But in some cases, when the land can be transferred to be concentrated with one or two very capable farmers, they have incentives to cultivate the farmland, as the land concentration will not only lower costs but can also be used for finance.

FROM UTILIZING MECHANIZATION TO OVERCOMING INSUFFICIENT AGRICULTURAL LABOR

Jia: Prof. Yin has raised an important point – the abandonment of farmland. In fact, it is inevitable to talk about China's urbanization here. After working in cities, young peasants will not return to the countryside. Will this have a great impact on sustainable agriculture?

Luo: Agricultural development needs a high-quality workforce. Currently, the rural labor force dramatically flows to the city, leaving the countryside with old people. I think we may need technology to solve insufficient labor quantity and quality.

At present, many regions are promoting the use of technologies, such as drones or information technology, to solve the problem of insufficient labor. The development of this smart agriculture can be a very important direction for our sustainable agriculture.

Yan: At present, the ways to solve labor outflows in different regions vary. Social services, such as providing machine sowing, machine harvesting, or socialization, are adopted to solve the problem in many parts of China. At present, the demand for labor in plains areas is greatly reduced, and seniors who remain in the countryside can meet the demand.

But in mountainous areas, the problem is very obvious. The cultivated land is far away from the residents. Therefore, in mountainous areas, farmland abandonment is particularly serious. But there are also mechanization efforts to overcome this. Small farms may hinder the application of mechanization. But in recent years in China, small and micro machines, such as handheld grass cutters and micro tractors, have been widely used. This can solve the labor insufficiency after young peasants move to cities.

In some areas where using machines is too difficult, we can simply abandon them, and they can be reforested. Abandoning marginal land is a worldwide trend. There is nothing to worry about. In fact, despite workforce loss and abandoned land, China's agricultural outputs have kept on growing in recent years.

Huang: I want to follow up the point on outflow of young labor from the countryside. This is a reality but certainly not a problem. The average age of agricultural labor in China is about 53 to 54. In the USA, the average age of farmers was 58.3 in 2012 while, in Japan, the average age is 67. This is a result of natural selection or division of labor. Senior persons generally have more comparative advantage in farming than in manufacturing or service industries, while youths have less comparative advantage in farming than other sectors. In most countries, you will find a positive association between per capita income and the age of agricultural labor.

So, the problem is not that we have older peasants left in rural areas, but how to improve their capacity to use new technologies. Don’t expect many young peasants to return to the countryside for farming.

Technological innovation can help to deal with the ageing issue in farming. For example, agricultural machines can be made easier to use for seniors.

We need technology to solve insufficient labor quantity and quality needed for sustainable agriculture. —Xiaofeng Luo

A tea farmer in the Chinese province of Hubei picking tea with a tea-picking machine. Small-scale machinery has been widely used in the Chinese countryside to solve labor shortages while improving the efficiency of sustainable agriculture ( Source: China News Service Photo ).

Another point is the difficulty in mechanization for farmland in mountain areas. While small machines can partially help to solve this problem, with higher labor costs, planting conventional crops in these areas may not have reasonable profit. I think this can be partially solved by transforming production structure from the current crops to forage grass or orchard production. In many southern mountainous areas, natural conditions are very suitable for developing grass.

Yin: Growing herbal plants may be considered as one division of these grass and timber industries. In recent years, it has developed very quickly in my hometown province of Hunan.

Yan: The central government now has subsidized agricultural mechanization, including using micro machines in mountainous farmland. Now rechargeable grass cutters are widely used in the Chinese countryside. So here we have another example of S&T innovations promoting sustainable agriculture.

FARM TRADE AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Jia: Like the outflow of young agricultural labor, another major trend in agriculture in China is the massive imports of agricultural products such as soybean and corn. How will the farm trade impact on sustainable agriculture?

Huang: I want to correct one point. We are the world's largest importer of agricultural products in terms of total amounts, but China's per capita import values are one of the lowest. China imports land- and water-resource-intensive agricultural products but exports products like fruit, vegetables, fish and processed food products. The net import is only about 5% of our total food consumption, primarily soybean, sugar and dairy products. If counted in water, the amount of water needed to irrigate the imported agricultural products in 2015 was equivalent to 25% of the total irrigation water in China in that year. If counted in land, the amount of land needed to plant the imported agricultural products in 2015 was equivalent to 35% of China's total farmland. Therefore, imports substantially reduce China's pressure on scarce land and water resources, contributing to sustainable agriculture.

Yin: I basically agree with Prof. Huang. But facing the current trade war, it is necessary for China to increase its own soybean output, so that our food security can be safeguarded.

Yan: What Prof. Huang recommended is equivalent to the so-called virtual water and virtual land. With the globalization of resources and supply chains, it is reasonable for the government to study how to ‘save’ and ‘develop’ these virtual resources. For example, African and South American countries are also very eager to sell their agricultural products to us. Carefully planning these virtual resources will promote China's sustainable agriculture.

BIOTECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

Jia: This forum was scheduled to discuss the role of agricultural biotechnology and particularly GM (genetic modification) technology in sustainable agriculture. Prof. Huang is the nation's top expert on this. Can you clarify the relationship?

Huang : GM technology has been shown to increase crop yield and lower production costs, which raises farmers’ income. With the adoption of GM technology, China can also reduce its agricultural imports. With rising agricultural production and therefore falling prices, the competitiveness of China's agriculture can be improved, which contributes to China's national food security. Because most of the current GM technologies are resistant to insects, the technologies have significantly reduced the amount of pesticides used. The biggest problem with food security now is the high residue of pesticide in food, and the development of our GM technology can promote food security by reducing pesticides.

GM technology can also improve the efficiency of all chemical use. By reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, GM technology will have a very important impact on our greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

In addition, the drought-resistant GM varieties can save water. Taken together with GM technology, we will be able to develop more resource-saving agriculture, and the increase in productivity is equivalent to saving farmland for a given output.

In fact, agricultural biotechnology is not limited to GM technology. It is estimated that the annual output value of agricultural biotechnology should have surpassed 100 billion yuan (US$14.4 billion), including animal biotech medicine, animal vaccines, biotech fertilizers, molecular breeding, ecological protection and so on. In addition to GM technologies, there are many new types of agricultural biotechnology, such as new enzymes that transform straw to feed suitable for ruminant animals through fermentation. Using corn to feed pigs, perhaps products from 1 mu of corn can only meet the food demands of one pig, but if we can transform straw to feed, we can raise five pigs using the same amount of farmland.

Jia: Given the vital importance of agricultural biotechnology, particularly GM technologies, in sustainable agriculture, why did the abovementioned 2015 national plan on sustainable agriculture not mention GM technologies?

Huang: One reason could be planning officials’ lack of knowledge on GM technologies. But more importantly, it might be influenced by public opposition. Our studies show that, in 2001, the percentage of consumers accepting GM technologies reached two-thirds, but it declined to 24% in 2012, and further down to just over 10% in 2016. More science popularization efforts for GM technologies should be made, but on the other hand, policymakers should not rely too much on public opinion to decide whether to advance GM technologies. There should be political commitment to push ahead and commercialize GM technologies given their tremendous role in raising agricultural productivity and sustainable development of agriculture.

FACING CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGES

Jia: Climate change is one of the grand challenges that human beings face. What can sustainable agriculture do for us in this aspect?

Yan: We have been studying the impact of climate change in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Well, climate change may have some positive impacts on China's agriculture, and it may also have negative impacts. As the climate warms, it makes the planting of many crops in China move northward and often westward, right? In the past few years, the expansion of many crops such as glutinous rice and wheat has been very obvious.

On the other hand, the negative effects of this climate change are that there are more disasters. Many of these droughts, and droughts caused by this extreme climate in particular, have a great impact on pastoral areas! In other words, climate warming will exacerbate the prevalence of pests and diseases, making the use of pesticides increase. In addition, higher temperatures have also caused soil to lose organic matter, which has accelerated the degradation of the soil. Both the positive and negative impacts of climate change raise challenges to sustainable agriculture.

Huang: I agree with Dr Yan. Climate change has different effects in different regions in China. So simply talking about how climate change is a problem for sustainable agriculture is not enough. It has both positive and negative influences. In particular, there are management issues related to water, because no matter whether the consequence of climate change is drought or floods, they are related to water management. Therefore, we should further strengthen the utilization of water resources, improve their efficient use, and manage related issues in water resources. This is an important aspect of sustainable agriculture.

Just now we emphasized the role of technology in sustainable agriculture. Faced with the challenge brought by climate change, it is necessary to promote sustainable agriculture with technology.

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Home / Blog

Why Is Agriculture Important? Benefits and Its Role

July 12, 2022 

Tables of Contents

What Is Agriculture?

Why is agriculture important, how is agriculture important, importance of agriculture in everyday life, how does agriculture affect the economy, importance of agricultural biodiversity, why is agriculture important for the future.

When people think of agriculture, they often envision crop farming: soil and land preparation and sowing, fertilizing, irrigating, and harvesting different types of plants and vegetation.

However, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) , crop farming is just one element of the Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting sector. Agriculture also encompasses raising livestock; industrial forestry and fishing; and agricultural support services, such as agricultural equipment repair and trucking operations.

Why is agriculture important? It helps sustain life by providing the food we need to survive. It also contributes $7 trillion to the U.S. economy. Despite agriculture’s importance, the Economic Policy Institute reports that farmworkers are among the lowest-paid workers in the U.S.

However, agriculture also provides opportunities for economic equity and helps people prosper around the world. For example, since 2000, the agricultural growth rate in Sub-Saharan Africa has surpassed that of any other region in the world (approximately 4.3% annually), contributing to the region’s economic gains, according to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). While there’s been a global decline in agricultural jobs — from 1 billion in 2000 to 883 million in 2019, according to employment indicators from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — agriculture remains the second-highest source of employment (26.7% of total work).

Agriculture is the practice of cultivating natural resources to sustain human life and provide economic gain. It combines the creativity, imagination, and skill involved in planting crops and raising animals with modern production methods and new technologies.

Agriculture is also a business that provides the global economy with commodities: basic goods used in commerce, such as grain, livestock, dairy, fiber, and raw materials for fuel. For example, fiber is a top crop in U.S. agricultural production , according to The Balance Small Business, and a necessary commodity for the clothing sector.

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Agriculture impacts society in many ways, including: supporting livelihoods through food, habitat, and jobs; providing raw materials for food and other products; and building strong economies through trade. Source: The Balance Small Business.

A key to why agriculture is important to business and society is its output — from producing raw materials to contributing to the global supply chain and economic development.

Providing Raw Materials

Raw materials are a core building block of the global economy. Without access to raw materials, manufacturers can’t make products. Nonagricultural raw materials include steel, minerals, and coal. However, many raw materials derive from agriculture — from lumber for construction materials to herbs for adding flavor to food. Corn, for example, is used to produce foods and serves as a foundation for ethanol, a type of fuel. Another example is resins : plant products used in various industrial applications, such as adhesives, coatings, and paints used in construction.

Creating a Strong Supply Chain

Importing and exporting goods such as agricultural products requires shipping methods such as ocean freight, rail, and trucking. Delays in shipping agricultural products from a Los Angeles port can create problems in China, and vice versa, impacting the global supply chain.

For example, sales of soybean crops from Iowa skyrocketed in 2021 due to various factors including delays in South American crop shipments, according to the Iowa Soybean Association. In this example, Iowa benefited from a competitive standpoint. However, delays in shipping crops could also be detrimental to regions expecting shipment, limiting availability of products on store shelves and affecting livelihoods.

Encouraging Economic Development

Agriculture impacts global trade because it’s tied to other sectors of the economy, supporting job creation and encouraging economic development. Countries with strong agricultural sectors experience employment growth in other sectors, according to USAID. Countries with agricultural productivity growth and robust agriculture infrastructure also have higher per capita incomes, since producers in these countries innovate through technology and farm management practices to boost agricultural productivity and profitability.

Resources on the Importance of Agriculture

The following resources provide information about the importance of agriculture as a source of raw materials and its impact on transportation and contribution to economic development:

• American Farm Bureau Federation, Fast Facts About Agriculture & Food : Provides various statistics demonstrating why agriculture is important.
• The Western Producer, “Suddenly Agriculture Is Important ”: Highlights agriculture’s role as a stable commodity provider even amid disruption.
• LinkedIn, “What Is Agriculture and Its Importance? ”: Discusses the importance of agriculture in 10 areas.

When global supply chains are disrupted , considerable attention is given to the technology sector. For example, the lack of computer chips — made from silicon, a nonagricultural raw material — limits a manufacturer’s ability to make computers, cars, and other products. This impacts many areas of society and business.

Agriculture also plays a central role in meeting consumer and business market demand in a world with interconnected economies. Here are different types of products derived from agriculture.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are essential sources of fiber, proteins, and carbohydrates in human diets. Vitamins, such as A, C, and E, and minerals, such as magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus, are naturally occurring in many fruits and vegetables. In addition to health benefits, fruits and vegetables add flavors to the human palette.

Animal Feed

Some fruits and vegetables are grown to provide feed for animals, from poultry to livestock. The American Industry Feed Association reports that about 900 animal feed ingredients are approved by law in the U.S. These include ingredients that come from agricultural production, including hay, straw, oils, sprouted grains, and legumes.

Natural Rubber Production

The number of vehicles in the world  is more than 1.4 billion, according to Hedges & Company market research. Every single one runs on rubber tires. According to GEP, the top rubber-producing countries are Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia — collectively representing approximately 70% of  global natural rubber production  — and about 90% of suppliers are small-scale farmers.

Cotton for Clothing

From cotton to clothes, the journey starts with agricultural production. Cotton is grown, harvested, and then processed, spun, and woven into fabric before it becomes a piece of clothing. Cotton production encompasses an expansive global supply chain, and according to Forum for the Future , it’s a leading commodity, making up approximately 31% of all textile fibers globally.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports favorable economics of biofuels , produced from biomass sources including agricultural products such as corn, soybeans, sugarcane, and algae. The benefits include reduced greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions and the potential for increased incomes for farmers. However, biodiesel production requires the use of land and water resources that can affect food costs.

Industrial Products

Bio-based chemistry involves using raw materials derived from biomass to develop industrial products. Different industrial products derived from bio-based chemicals include bioplastics, plant oils, biolubricants, inks, dyes, detergents, and fertilizers. Bio-based chemicals and products offer an alternative to conventional products derived from petroleum products. Bio-based chemistry is considered a type of green chemistry because it promotes the reduction of environmental impacts in industrial production.

Pharmaceutical Products

For thousands of years, humans have turned to plants to help treat what ails them. For example, ginger, a plant root typically consumed in tea, can help aid digestion. Substances derived from plants and herbs can also help in healthcare. For example, extracted chemicals from the foxglove plant are used for digoxin, a drug used for heart failure. Another example is polylactic acid (PLA), a chemical produced when glucose is fermented into lactic acid in green plants. PLA has applications in tissue engineering, cardiovascular implants, orthopedic interventions, cancer therapy, and fabrication of surgical implants, according to a study published in Engineered Regeneration .

Agricultural products provide essential resources for daily activities, such as: getting ready for work in the morning, thanks to coffee and clothes; washing hands with soap; fueling vehicles to travel; preparing and eating food; and minding health through medicines and treatments. Sources: Commodity.com, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ThoughtCo, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For thousands of years, agriculture has played an important role in everyday life. Before agriculture, hunting and gathering enabled humans to survive. It wasn’t until the transition to the planned sowing and harvesting of crops that humans began to thrive. Humans developed tools and practices to improve agricultural output with more efficient means of sustaining themselves. From there, innovations that created industries led to the modern era.

Today, the importance of agriculture in everyday life can’t be minimized. Without the agriculture sector, activities such as getting dressed for work and cleaning the home wouldn’t be possible. Here are examples of the agricultural products we use in our everyday lives:

• Shelter . Wood and plant-based materials, such as bamboo, can be used for indoor décor and construction materials.
• Morning routine.  Mint is often an ingredient in toothpaste, adding flavor while brushing your teeth, and the caffeine in coffee that keeps you awake is derived from the coffee bean.
• Dressing up.  In addition to cotton, clothing can be manufactured from hemp, ramie, and flax. Bio-based materials can be used to produce grooming products such as skin creams and shampoos.
• Cleaning.  Two types of chemicals used in detergents, cleaning products, and bath or hand soap — surfactants and solvents — can be produced from biomass.
• Driving to work.  Plants make it possible to get to and from work. Think of rubber (sourced from rubber trees) and biodiesel fuel, which often includes ethanol (sourced from corn).
• Entertainment.  Paper from trees enables you to write, and some musical instruments, such as reed instruments, require materials made from plants.
• Education.  From pencils (still often made of wood) to paper textbooks, students rely on agricultural products every day.

Agriculture can have a significant effect on the economy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research Service reports that  agricultural and food sectors  provided 10% of all U.S. employment in 2020 — nearly 20 million full- and part-time jobs. Additionally, the USDA reported that  cash receipts from crops  totaled nearly $198 billion in 2020.  Animal and animal product receipts  weren’t far behind in 2020, totaling $165 billion.

The interdependence of the  food and agriculture sector  with other sectors, including water and wastewater systems, transportation systems, energy, and chemical, makes it a critical engine for economic activity, according to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Agriculture also impacts economic development by contributing to the overall U.S. gross domestic product (GDP), directly and indirectly. It does so through farm production, forestry, fishing activities, textile mills and products, apparel and food and beverage sales, and service and manufacturing.

• Farm production.  The latest USDA data on  farming and farming income  report the U.S. had a little over 2 million farms, encompassing 897 million acres, in 2020. Farm production includes producing fruits, vegetables, plants, and varieties of crops to meet demand for agricultural products throughout the country and abroad.
• Forestry and fishing activities.  Agricultural activities include forestry and harvesting fish in water farms or in their natural habitat.  Agroforestry is focused on “establishing, managing, using, and conserving forests, trees and associated resources in a sustainable manner to meet desired goals, needs, and values,” according to the USDA. A form of fishing activity known as  aquaculture  involves the production of fish and other sea animals under controlled conditions to provide food.
• Textile mills and products.  The  S. cotton industry  produces $21 billion in products and services annually, according to the USDA. The industry has created various employment roles, such as growers, ginners, and buyers working on farms and in textile mills, cotton gins, offices, and warehouses.
• Apparel and food and beverage sales.  Since agriculture is a business, selling products made from agricultural production is essential. A key aspect of the sales component in agriculture is to help growers build capacity and understand the market dynamics to meet the needs of customers, many of whom care deeply about Food services and eating and drinking places accounted for 10.5 million jobs in 2020, the largest share among all categories within the agriculture and food sectors, according to the USDA.
• Manufacturing.  Agricultural products contribute to the manufacturing of a huge variety of goods, including food and beverage products, textiles, cleaning and personal products, construction materials, fuels, and more. According to the USDA, food and beverage manufacturing companies employ about 1.7 million people in the U.S.

Here’s how agriculture directly and indirectly contributes to the U.S. gross domestic product: farm production, forestry and fishing activities, textile mills and products, apparel and food and beverage sales, and service and manufacturing. Sources: American Farm Bureau Federation, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, and the USDA.

Here are ways agriculture and related industries impact economic development:

Agribusiness

Agribusiness  consists of the companies that perform the commercial activities involved in getting agricultural goods to market. It includes all types of businesses in the food sector, from small family farms to global agricultural conglomerates. In the U.S., farms contributed about $136 billion to GDP (about 0.6% of total GDP) in 2019, according to the USDA.

However, farms are just one component of agribusiness. Agribusiness also includes businesses involved in manufacturing agricultural equipment (such as tractors) and chemical-based products (like fertilizers) and companies involved in the production and refinement of biofuels. USDA data reports that in total, farms and related industries contributed more than $1.1 trillion to GDP, a little over 5% of the GDP, in 2019.

The  economics of agribusiness  also entails building production systems and supply chains that help maintain a country’s economic and social stability. Through the development of organizational and technological knowledge, agribusiness plays a vital role in protecting the environment and biodiversity near farms and using natural resources sustainably.

Food Security

Food security  is central to the agricultural industry:  Sustainable agriculture  is a key to fulfilling the United Nations’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including  SDG 2 :  Zero Hunger . In addition to food security, the agricultural sector raises the incomes among the poorest communities  up to four times more effectively  than other sectors, according to the World Bank.

Job Creation

Throughout the world, agriculture plays an important role in job creation. For example, agriculture accounts for 25% of exports in developing countries in Latin America, about 5% of their regional GDP, according to a report about  the importance of agribusiness  from BBVA, a corporate and investment bank. This activity is a source of economic activity and jobs in these countries. In the U.S., agriculture and related industries provide 19.7 million full- and part-time jobs, about 10.3% of all employment.

Resources on the Economic Impact of Agriculture

The following resources highlight agriculture’s impact on the economy, from how disruption affects the business and the benefits of the sector to people’s livelihoods:

• Economic Research Service, Farming and Farm Income : Provides an overview of trends in farming and economic development statistics.
• American Journal of Agricultural Economics, “The Importance of Agriculture in the Economy: Impacts from COVID-19” : Highlights why agriculture is important based on the impact of COVID-19’s disruptions to the sector.
• Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics, “Agriculture, Transportation, and the COVID-19 Crisis” : Discusses how transportation services that COVID-19 has disrupted can impact agricultural supply chains.

Advanced farming equipment and the increased use of fertilizers and pesticides have resulted in higher crop yields. At the same time, they’ve impacted the environment, contributing to soil and water pollution and climate change. NASA projects a 24% decline in corn crop yields by 2030, thanks to climate change. However, ensuring a healthy biodiversity can help mitigate the impact. Here are some factors to consider:

• Sustainable agriculture.  Through  sustainable agricultural practices , farmers and ranchers help ensure the profitability of their land while improving soil fertility, helping promote sound environmental practices, and minimizing environmental impacts through  climate action .
• Climate change regulation.  The agricultural sector produced about 10% of U.S.  greenhouse gas emissions  in 2019, according to the EPA. Regulation and policy changes can help promote sustainable practices in the sector and provide guidance on agricultural adaptation to address the challenges that climate change poses.
• Agriculture technology and innovation.  From temperature- and moisture-sensing devices to GPS technologies for land surveys to robots,  agriculture technology  can result in higher crop yields, less chemical runoff, and lower impact on natural resources.

Agricultural Biodiversity Resources

Find information about agricultural biodiversity and its impacts in the following resources:

• Our World in Data, “Environmental Impacts of Food Production” : Discusses how sustainable agriculture offers a path to addressing food and nutrition issues.
• IBM, “The Benefits of Sustainable Agriculture and How We Get There” : Addresses how artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics technologies help farmers maximize food production and minimize their environmental impact.
• S. Environmental Protection Agency, The Sources and Solutions: Agriculture : Explains how agriculture can contribute to reducing nutrient pollution.
• FoodPrint, Biodiversity and Agriculture : Provides answers to what it will take to preserve the health of the planet to safeguard our own food supply.
• Brookings, “What Is the Future of Work in Agri-Food? ”: Discusses the future of agricultural automation and its impact on work.

Agriculture offers an opportunity to improve the lives of millions of food-insecure people and help countries develop economies that create jobs and raise incomes. Today’s agriculture also impacts future generations. To ensure the long-term success of the global agricultural sector, building a more sustainable economic system aligned with the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals is a crucial imperative to help create a more equitable society.

Infographic Sources

American Farm Bureau Federation, “Farm Contribution to Agricultural GDP at Record Low”

Bureau of Economic Analysis, “Gross Domestic Product (Third Estimate), Corporate Profits (Revised Estimate), and GDP by Industry, Second Quarter 2021”

Commodity.com, “Learn All About Agricultural Commodities and Market Trends”

Environmental Protection Agency, Commonly Consumed Food Commodities

The Balance Small Business, “What Is Agricultural Production?”

ThoughtCo, “List of Medicines Made From Plants”

USDA, Ag and Food Sectors and the Economy

USDA National Agricultural Library, Industrial, Energy, and Non-food Crops

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Christie talks importance of including women in agricultural research

In celebration of International Women in Agriculture Day, Maria Elisa Christie, director of Women and Gender in International Development at the Center for International Research, Education and Development at Virginia Tech, presented “ Integrating gender equity in international agricultural research for development .” The lecture took place on March 26 in Curtiss Hall’s Dolezal Auditorium.

In her role at Virginia Tech, Christie works to incorporate gender into agricultural research projects, particularly those that take place in countries around the world. She said it is important for researchers to consider how best to include women in their projects, given the women’s many duties in their homes – caring for children, tending to gardens and livestock, and much more – that limit their ability to travel to research sites.

The projects should also be related to the work women are doing. Home gardens, also known as house lot gardens, often are ignored in research projects, but that may be where women spend a good portion of their time growing plants to feed their families and sell at the market.

“You need to do something that matters to them,” Christie said.

Prior to the lecture, Christie also spent time interacting with several Iowa State faculty and student groups. This included visits to the Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods, Seed Science Center, Student Innovation Center and Margaret Sloss Center for Women and Gender Equity.

Sponsors of the lecture included Corteva Agriscience, the International Association of Students in Agriculture and Related Sciences, the Department of Agronomy, and the Committee on Lectures.

Crop Physiology in Agricultural Research for Development: Enhancing Crop Improvement

Crop physiology plays a crucial role in agricultural research for development, as it seeks to enhance crop improvement and address the challenges faced by farmers worldwide. By understanding how crops respond to different environmental factors and stresses, researchers can develop strategies to optimize their growth and productivity. For instance, consider a case study where a group of researchers investigated the physiological responses of rice plants under drought conditions. Through their findings, they were able to identify key traits that contribute to drought tolerance in rice varieties, leading to the development of improved cultivars capable of withstanding water scarcity.

In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on utilizing crop physiology knowledge to drive sustainable agricultural practices. This is particularly important considering the ever-growing global population and the need for food security. Researchers are exploring various aspects of crop physiology such as photosynthesis efficiency, nutrient uptake mechanisms, and stress response pathways to uncover potential avenues for enhancing crop performance. By identifying genetic markers associated with desirable traits or developing innovative techniques like precision agriculture, scientists aim to improve both yield quantity and quality while minimizing resource inputs.

The integration of crop physiology into agricultural research for development not only benefits farmers but also contributes significantly toward achieving broader developmental goals. By improving crop resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses, researchers can help mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture and reduce crop losses. This can enhance food security, especially in regions prone to extreme weather events or facing water scarcity.

Furthermore, by optimizing crop physiology, researchers can also promote sustainable farming practices. For example, understanding nutrient uptake mechanisms can help develop strategies for efficient fertilizer use, minimizing environmental pollution caused by excess nutrient runoff. Similarly, studying photosynthesis efficiency can lead to the development of crops that require less water and energy inputs for growth.

Crop physiology research also plays a vital role in ensuring the nutritional quality of crops. By studying factors such as nutrient uptake and assimilation processes, scientists can identify ways to enhance the nutritional content of crops, leading to improved human health outcomes.

Overall, integrating crop physiology into agricultural research for development has the potential to significantly improve agricultural productivity, sustainability, and resilience. By understanding how crops function at a physiological level and developing innovative solutions based on this knowledge, researchers are driving progress towards achieving global food security goals while minimizing environmental impacts.

Crop Physiology: Understanding Plant Functions

Crop physiology is a crucial aspect of agricultural research that focuses on understanding the functions and processes within plants. By studying plant physiology, researchers gain valuable insights into how crops respond to their environment, allowing for the development of more efficient and resilient agricultural practices.

To illustrate the importance of crop physiology, consider the case study of drought-tolerant maize varieties. In regions where water scarcity is a major concern, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, farmers face significant challenges in growing sufficient food. However, through an understanding of crop physiology, scientists have been able to develop maize varieties that are better equipped to withstand periods of drought. These varieties exhibit traits such as enhanced root systems and improved water-use efficiency, enabling them to thrive even in arid conditions. This breakthrough highlights the practical implications of studying crop physiology in addressing real-world problems related to food security.

Understanding plant functions involves examining various physiological processes at play within crops. One key area of focus is photosynthesis—the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy through the synthesis of carbohydrates. Maximizing photosynthetic efficiency is essential for enhancing crop productivity. Furthermore, investigating factors affecting nutrient uptake and assimilation helps optimize fertilizer use and improve nutrient management strategies in agriculture.

• Crop physiology provides insights into plant responses to environmental stresses.
• It aids in developing stress-tolerant cultivars with improved yields.
• Understanding plant growth processes supports effective agronomic decision-making.
• Crop physiological studies contribute to sustainable farming practices.

Additionally, incorporating a table can enhance comprehension and emotional engagement:

In conclusion (without explicitly stating it), crop physiology plays a vital role in advancing agricultural research and development. By unraveling the complex mechanisms of plant functions, scientists can develop innovative strategies to improve crop production, enhance food security, and promote sustainable farming practices. In the subsequent section on “The Role of Crop Physiology in Agricultural Research,” we will explore how this field contributes to broader advancements in agriculture without missing a beat.

Role of Crop Physiology in Agricultural Research

In the previous section, we explored the intricacies of crop physiology and how it helps us understand plant functions. Now, let’s delve into the vital role that crop physiology plays in agricultural research for development.

To illustrate this role, consider a case study where researchers aimed to enhance drought tolerance in maize crops. By studying the physiological responses of different varieties of maize under water-deficient conditions, they were able to identify key traits associated with drought tolerance. This knowledge then guided breeding programs towards developing improved maize cultivars with enhanced resilience to drought stress.

The importance of crop physiology in agricultural research can be further exemplified through the following points:

Optimizing resource utilization: Through an understanding of plant physiology, scientists can determine how crops efficiently use resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight. This knowledge enables them to develop management practices that maximize resource utilization while minimizing waste or environmental impact.

Enhancing crop productivity: Crop physiologists investigate various factors influencing yield potential, including photosynthetic efficiency, nutrient uptake, and reproductive processes. By identifying limiting factors and optimizing these processes, researchers can contribute to increasing crop yields and food security on a global scale.

Improving stress tolerance: Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture by introducing new stresses such as heatwaves or prolonged periods of drought. Crop physiologists play a crucial role in understanding plant responses to stressors and devising strategies to enhance stress tolerance in crops.

Sustainable farming practices: With growing concerns about environmental sustainability, crop physiologists investigate methods for reducing inputs like fertilizers or pesticides without compromising yield or quality. They explore ways to improve nutrient-use efficiency and pest resistance through physiological studies.

Table 1 below highlights key contributions of crop physiology in agricultural research:

In conclusion, the role of crop physiology in agricultural research for development is indispensable. By understanding plant functions at a physiological level, researchers can optimize resource utilization, enhance crop productivity, improve stress tolerance, and promote sustainable farming practices.

[Transition] Now let’s shift our focus to the significance of crop physiology in maximizing crop yield potential.

Importance of Crop Physiology in Crop Yield

Enhancing Crop Improvement through Understanding Crop Physiology

In the previous section, we examined the role of crop physiology in agricultural research. In this section, we will explore the importance of crop physiology in achieving higher crop yields. To illustrate this, let’s consider a hypothetical case study involving rice cultivation.

Imagine two farmers, Farmer A and Farmer B, who both cultivate rice in similar conditions. However, Farmer A has a deeper understanding of crop physiology and implements appropriate strategies to optimize plant growth and development. As a result, Farmer A consistently achieves higher crop yields compared to Farmer B.

There are several key reasons why understanding crop physiology is crucial for enhancing crop improvement:

Efficient resource allocation: By understanding how plants absorb and utilize nutrients, water, and sunlight, farmers can allocate these resources more efficiently. This results in improved nutrient uptake and reduced wastage, leading to healthier plants with increased resistance to pests and diseases.

Climate adaptation: Climate change poses significant challenges to agriculture worldwide. However, by studying crop physiology, scientists can identify traits that enable crops to better withstand extreme weather conditions such as drought or heat stress. This knowledge allows breeders to develop climate-resilient varieties that maintain yield stability under changing environmental conditions.

Enhanced photosynthetic efficiency: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy necessary for growth. By gaining insights into the physiological processes involved in photosynthesis, researchers can devise methods to enhance its efficiency. This leads to increased biomass production and ultimately improves overall crop productivity.

To further emphasize these points, consider the following table showcasing the potential benefits of understanding crop physiology:

In summary, understanding crop physiology plays a crucial role in enhancing crop improvement. Through efficient resource allocation, climate adaptation, and improved photosynthetic efficiency, farmers can achieve higher yields and ensure food security. In the subsequent section on “Crop Physiology Techniques in Research,” we will delve into the specific methodologies used in studying and applying crop physiology principles for further advancements in agricultural practices.

Crop Physiology Techniques in Research

Section Title: Crop Physiology Techniques in Research

Having established the significance of crop physiology in enhancing crop yield, it is imperative to delve into the various techniques employed in agricultural research. These techniques enable scientists and researchers to gain a deeper understanding of plant functions and their responses to environmental factors, ultimately leading to improved crop production. This section will explore some key methodologies used in crop physiology research, highlighting their relevance and potential impact.

Methodologies utilized in crop physiology research encompass a diverse range of approaches that contribute to our knowledge of plant growth and development. One notable technique involves controlled environment chambers, where plants are grown under precisely regulated conditions such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, and photoperiods. By subjecting crops to specific stressors or simulating changes in climate scenarios, researchers can investigate physiological processes at different stages of growth and identify critical markers for enhanced productivity.

To elucidate the complex interactions between plants and their environments, advanced imaging technologies have emerged as powerful tools. For instance, chlorophyll fluorescence imaging provides insights into photosynthetic efficiency by measuring emission levels during photosynthesis. Additionally, thermal cameras capture infrared radiation emitted by plants, enabling researchers to assess variations in leaf temperature associated with water stress or disease.

In order to effectively analyze large datasets generated through modern technologies like genomics and transcriptomics, bioinformatics plays a crucial role. Through computational analysis methods and data mining algorithms, researchers can extract valuable information related to gene expression patterns underlying physiological traits. Such findings aid in identifying genes responsible for desirable characteristics like drought tolerance or resistance against pests.

These methodologies not only enhance our understanding of plant biology but also offer practical applications for sustainable agriculture. By providing valuable insights into how crops respond to changing environmental conditions, they pave the way for developing resilient varieties that can withstand abiotic stresses and diseases while maintaining optimal yields. Moreover, these advancements facilitate precision farming practices by allowing farmers to make informed decisions regarding irrigation, fertilization, and crop protection strategies.

By exploring the diverse techniques employed in crop physiology research, we can now move on to discussing their practical applications in sustainable agriculture. Understanding how plants respond to environmental stimuli provides a foundation for implementing effective strategies that maximize productivity while minimizing negative impacts on ecosystems.

Applications of Crop Physiology in Sustainable Agriculture

Enhancing Crop Improvement through Applications of Crop Physiology Techniques

In the previous section, we explored various crop physiology techniques that have been utilized in agricultural research. Now, we will delve into the practical applications of these techniques and discuss how they contribute to sustainable agriculture.

To illustrate the significance of crop physiology in agricultural research for development, let us consider a hypothetical case study involving wheat production. By applying physiological principles, researchers were able to identify specific traits related to drought tolerance in wheat varieties. This knowledge enabled breeders to develop new cultivars with enhanced drought resistance, thereby ensuring stable yields even under water-limited conditions.

The applications of crop physiology in sustainable agriculture are vast and encompass several key areas:

• Improved nutrient management: Through understanding plant nutrient uptake mechanisms and optimizing fertilization practices, farmers can minimize nutrient losses while maximizing crop productivity.
• Enhanced pest and disease control: Utilizing physiological insights into plant defense mechanisms enables the development of targeted strategies for managing pests and diseases without excessive reliance on chemical inputs.
• Efficient water use: By studying crop water requirements and implementing precision irrigation methods based on real-time monitoring systems, farmers can reduce water wastage and promote more efficient use of this precious resource.
• Climate change adaptation: With climate change posing significant challenges to agricultural productivity, understanding how crops respond physiologically to changing environmental conditions is crucial for developing resilient farming systems.

Table 1 below provides an overview of the contributions made by crop physiology techniques in each area mentioned above:

This comprehensive utilization of crop physiology techniques has the potential to revolutionize agricultural practices and contribute significantly to sustainable food production. By integrating scientific knowledge with practical applications, we can address pressing challenges in agriculture while minimizing negative environmental impacts.

Looking ahead, future perspectives in crop physiology research will focus on further enhancing our understanding of plant responses to complex environmental interactions and developing innovative approaches for optimizing productivity and resilience. In the subsequent section, we will explore these exciting prospects that lie ahead in crop physiology research.

[Transition Sentence] As we shift our focus towards future perspectives in crop physiology research, it is essential to recognize the evolving nature of this field and its pivotal role in shaping sustainable agricultural systems.

Future Perspectives in Crop Physiology Research

Section Title: Advancing Crop Physiology Research for Sustainable Agricultural Development

Building upon the applications of crop physiology in sustainable agriculture, it is imperative to explore the future perspectives and advancements in this field. By pushing the boundaries of our understanding, researchers can enhance crop improvement strategies and contribute to global food security. This section delves into emerging areas of research within crop physiology that hold promise for sustainable agricultural development.

Emerging Areas of Research:

Harnessing Plant-Microbe Interactions: Understanding the intricate relationships between plants and microbes has become a focal point in crop physiology research. Investigating how beneficial microorganisms positively influence plant growth and stress tolerance offers exciting possibilities for improving crop productivity sustainably. For instance, studies have demonstrated that certain rhizobacteria can promote nutrient uptake by plants through their ability to solubilize phosphorus or fix atmospheric nitrogen. Incorporating these microbial interactions into agricultural practices can reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers while minimizing environmental impact.

Unraveling Epigenetic Mechanisms: Epigenetics, which refers to heritable changes in gene expression without alterations in DNA sequence, has emerged as a key area of interest in crop physiology research. Unlocking epigenetic mechanisms holds immense potential for enhancing plant adaptation to changing environments and improving stress tolerance. By manipulating epigenetic marks through advanced breeding techniques or genetic engineering, we may be able to develop crops with enhanced resistance to pests, diseases, and abiotic stresses such as drought or heat.

Exploiting Genetic Diversity: The vast genetic diversity present within plant species provides an invaluable resource for crop improvement efforts. Utilizing advanced genomic tools like next-generation sequencing enables scientists to identify desirable traits associated with specific genotypes more efficiently than ever before. Additionally, exploring wild relatives of domesticated crops unlocks access to novel genes that could confer improved resilience and productivity under challenging conditions. Integrating this knowledge into breeding programs allows breeders to develop new crop varieties that are better adapted to local climates, have increased nutritional content, or possess enhanced yield potential.

Enhancing Crop Water Use Efficiency: With water scarcity becoming an increasingly pressing issue in agriculture, improving crop water use efficiency has gained significant attention. Researchers are exploring physiological mechanisms that influence a plant’s ability to utilize water effectively and sustainably. By identifying genes associated with traits such as stomatal regulation, root architecture, or photosynthetic efficiency, scientists aim to breed crops that can thrive under limited water availability without compromising productivity. These efforts not only address the challenges of water scarcity but also contribute to sustainable farming practices by reducing excessive irrigation needs.

• Increased food security through improved crop productivity
• Reduced environmental impact from synthetic fertilizers
• Enhanced resilience against pests, diseases, and abiotic stresses
• Sustainable agricultural practices for future generations

In light of these emerging areas of research within crop physiology, it is evident that focusing on sustainable agricultural development holds immense promise for addressing global challenges related to food production and environmental sustainability. By harnessing the power of plant-microbe interactions, unraveling epigenetic mechanisms, exploiting genetic diversity, and enhancing crop water use efficiency, researchers can pave the way towards a more secure and resilient agricultural system. Through these advancements in crop physiology research, we can foster a brighter future where our agricultural practices align with the needs of both present and future generations.

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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Baseline socio-economic characterization and resource use of the community in the mefakiya watershed provisionally accepted.

• 1 Integrated Watershed Management, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Ethiopia
• 2 Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Ethiopia

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

Baseline characterization is used during the project to show progress towards the goal and objectives and after the project to measure the amount of change. The main objective of the study was to investigate the socio-economic characterization and natural resource use in the Mefakiya learning watershed. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Quantitative data was collected using a structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews with households at the intervention site. Sixty representative households were selected randomly and interviewed.Constraints and potentials were identified via focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data. The majority of the sample households (90%) were maleheaded. Agriculture (crop and livestock production) is the principal (98.3%) occupation of the sample households in the Mefakiya watershed. Maize, finger millet, and tef are the major crops cultivated in the watershed, produced by 98%, 92%, and 68% of the households, respectively. The study area is characterized by high natural resource degradation that is interconnected in nature.Therefore, an integrated approach is more important and meaningful for the sustainable use of watershed resources and further development in all aspects of the watershed in the study area.

Keywords: Baseline survey, characterization, constraints, Social aspect, Mefakiya watershed

Received: 01 Dec 2023; Accepted: 09 Apr 2024.

Copyright: © 2024 Yimam, Gelagil and Bazie. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

* Correspondence: Mr. Mekin M. Yimam, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Integrated Watershed Management, Dessie, Ethiopia

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