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What are two things that farmers grow or raise to help us get food?
Crops: Farmers cultivate a variety of crops such as grains, vegetables, and fruits. Staples like wheat, rice, and corn form the backbone of our diets, providing essential carbohydrates and nutrients. Vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, and leafy greens supply vitamins, minerals, and fiber necessaryRead more
Crops: Farmers cultivate a variety of crops such as grains, vegetables, and fruits. Staples like wheat, rice, and corn form the backbone of our diets, providing essential carbohydrates and nutrients. Vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, and leafy greens supply vitamins, minerals, and fiber necessary for a balanced diet. Fruits such as apples, bananas, and berries not only offer vital vitamins and antioxidants but also add natural sweetness and variety to our meals. Crop farming requires careful planning, soil management, and pest control to ensure healthy and bountiful harvests.
Livestock: Farmers also raise animals like cattle, pigs, chickens, and sheep. These animals provide a rich source of protein, essential for muscle development and overall health. Cattle and sheep offer beef and lamb, while pigs supply pork and bacon. Chickens are raised for both meat and eggs, providing versatile protein options. Livestock farming involves breeding, feeding, and healthcare to maintain the well-being of the animals and the quality of the products they yield.
See lessHow do agricultural subsidies impact farmers and food prices?
Agricultural subsidies provide crucial income stability for farmers amidst market volatility and encourage the production of specific crops or the adoption of particular practices. This support helps mitigate financial risks and ensures a reliable food supply. However, subsidies can distort market sRead more
Agricultural subsidies provide crucial income stability for farmers amidst market volatility and encourage the production of specific crops or the adoption of particular practices. This support helps mitigate financial risks and ensures a reliable food supply. However, subsidies can distort market signals by incentivizing the overproduction of subsidized crops, which may lead to price suppression and reduced competitiveness in global markets.
In terms of food prices, subsidies lower production costs for farmers, which can translate into stable or lower consumer prices for certain foods. This benefits consumers by keeping food prices more predictable and affordable. Yet, the long-term impact on market efficiency and innovation is debated, as subsidies sometimes discourage diversification or technological advancement in agriculture.
Globally, agricultural subsidies influence trade dynamics by affecting the competitiveness of domestic products internationally. They can provoke disputes if perceived as distorting fair competition or disadvantaging unsubsidized producers. Environmental impacts also vary, with subsidies potentially promoting sustainable practices but sometimes encouraging environmentally harmful farming methods.
See lessCrop rotation
The main Advantages of crop rotation include many benefits: Rotating crops helps maintain a balanced nutrient profile in the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. By changing the type of crop grown in a particular field each season, farmers can reduce the buildup of pests and diseases. DRead more
The main Advantages of crop rotation include many benefits:
- Rotating crops helps maintain a balanced nutrient profile in the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
- By changing the type of crop grown in a particular field each season, farmers can reduce the buildup of pests and diseases.
- Different crops contribute differently to soil structure. For example, deep-rooted crops can improve soil aeration and structure, while legumes can enhance soil nitrogen content through nitrogen fixation.
- Crop rotation can help protect soil from erosion
- Rotating crops increases the diversity of plant species in a farming system. This biodiversity can improve ecosystem resilience and reduce the risk of total crop failure.
See lessWhat is the difference between Natural Farming and Organic Farming ?
Natural farming and organic farming are both sustainable agricultural practices, but they differ in their methods and philosophies. Natural farming, pioneered by Masanobu Fukuoka, emphasizes minimal human intervention. It avoids plowing, tilling, and the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. IRead more
Natural farming and organic farming are both sustainable agricultural practices, but they differ in their methods and philosophies.
Natural farming, pioneered by Masanobu Fukuoka, emphasizes minimal human intervention. It avoids plowing, tilling, and the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Instead, it relies on natural ecological processes to maintain soil fertility and control pests. The focus is on creating a self-sustaining ecosystem where crops grow in harmony with nature. Techniques like mulching, using cover crops, and integrating animals into the farming system are common. Natural farming aims to work with nature rather than trying to control it.
Organic farming, while also avoiding synthetic chemicals, is more structured and regulated. It follows specific standards set by certification bodies, ensuring that no synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms are used. Organic farming practices include crop rotation, green manures, composting, and biological pest control. It often involves more active management compared to natural farming, with an emphasis on maintaining organic matter and nutrient levels in the soil through approved organic inputs.
In essence, natural farming is about minimal interference and letting nature take its course, while organic farming uses proactive techniques within a framework of organic standards to maintain soil health and productivity. Both aim to produce healthy food while preserving the environment, but they approach it in different ways.
See less"Explain how the monsoon winds influence the agricultural patterns in India and identify which Indian states receive the highest rainfall during the monsoon season."?
The monsoon winds are crucial for agriculture in India because they bring the majority of the country's rainfall. During the summer months, moist winds from the Indian Ocean move northward, carrying rain clouds. This rainfall is essential for watering crops like rice, wheat, and cotton, which are grRead more
How Indian farmers can benefit from AI
Krishna, a smallholding farmer, diligently cultivates his half-hectare plot in Telangana, India, every day. For this, he earns $120 per month—just enough to meet his family's basic needs. But Krishna must also contend with unpredictable monsoons, frequent droughts, pest infestations, and diminishingRead more
Krishna, a smallholding farmer, diligently cultivates his half-hectare plot in Telangana, India, every day. For this, he earns $120 per month—just enough to meet his family’s basic needs.
But Krishna must also contend with unpredictable monsoons, frequent droughts, pest infestations, and diminishing yields. He must battle the impacts of changing climate patterns and soil health. With no access to a bank, Krishna is also forced to use local loan sharks for finance, paying crippling interest rates. Even then, the essential resources he buys with this money – such as seeds, fertilizers and pesticides – aren’t always available.
Post-harvest, Krishna faces another hurdle: 40% wastage in other parts of the supply chain. Logistics, warehousing and accessing a market at which to sell their produce also present significant challenges for many farmers like Krishna.
Strict quality requirements set by traders and processors are also very difficult to meet. These farmers are then trapped in a cycle of subsistence farming because low revenues leave them with less to invest in the next crop cycle. New technologies that make this work easier – precision farming, digital market access or drones, for example – remain out of reach for most farmers like Krishna. They can’t afford the equipment, have limited access to technology and may not have the time to spare to adjust their processes to adopt them properly.
The dynamics of market supply and fluctuating prices only add to these challenges because farmers like Krishna often find themselves losing out when prices fall or demand drops.
Like the other roughly 125 million smallholding farmers in India, Krishna faces these daunting challenges to support himself and his family. For these farmers, agriculture is a high-stakes gamble marked by big risks and minimal returns. Thousands of farmers in India have committed suicide, reflecting financial desperation and weather-induced challenges affect these people.
And Krishna’s story is not unique to India either. An estimated500 million smallholder farmsin the developing world support almost 2 billion people and produce about 80% of the food consumed in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Addressing the plight of Krishna and his counterparts around the world to create a more sustainable and equitable future for smallholding farmers will require a holistic, scalable approach that encompasses financial inclusion and climate resilience.
Using AI for agriculture innovation
This is why the World Economic Forum India’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in collaboration with India’s Union Ministry of Agriculture and the state of Telangana, launched the AI4AI initiative (AI for Agriculture Innovation). Reflecting the complexity of the challenge, organisations involved come from industry (agri-inputs, consumer, food processing, finance, insurance and technology firms), the startup ecosystem and farmer cooperatives.
Over eight months starting June 2020, this endeavour held more than 45 workshops, to discuss the challenges smallholder farmers face and how 4IR could help. These discussions lead to a AI4AI plan that helps smallholder farmers by harnessing the power of new technologies including AI, drones and blockchain.
From framework to impact
We tested the AI4AI framework in the Khammam district of Telangana, India, among 7,000 farmers. We involved industry and start-up partners and used state-government data management tools (the agriculture data exchange and the agriculture data management framework) to scale up the initiative among this large group of farmers.
Named Saagu Baagu locally, this initiative has transformed chili farming in Khammam district using bot advisory services, soil testing technology, AI-based quality testing and a digital platform to connect buyers and sellers.
The pilot took 18 months and three crop cycles to complete. During this time, farmers reported a remarkable surge in net income: $800 per acre in a single crop cycle (6 months), effectively double the average income. The digital advisory services contributed to a 21% increase in chili yield production per acre. Pesticide use fell by 9% and fertilizers dropped by 5%, while quality improvements boosted unit prices by 8%.
Saagu Baagu was not only a success for its farmers, it achieved the sustainability and efficiency goals set by AI4AI. As a result, in October 2023, the state government expanded Saagu Baagu to include 500,000 farmers, covering five crops across 10 districts.
Unlocking digital agriculture’s potential
As much of the global south grapples with the challenges of ensuring food security, mitigating climate change impacts and protecting livelihoods, this Indian agtech initiative shows promising results when using AI for agriculture. Collaboration between governments, industry, philanthropists, innovators and farmers can create national frameworks for implementing digital agriculture programmes that ensure food security, sustainability, and alignment with sustainable development goals.
Sharing lessons learned and success stories via these digital platforms gives farmers valuable insights and evidence-based strategies for using AI for agriculture. This can help accelerate innovation and guide global efforts in digital farming, promoting sustainability, inclusivity, efficiency and improved nutrition worldwide.
What sustainable practices can be implemented to minimize the environmental impact of agriculture?
Implementing sustainable practices in agriculture is crucial to minimize its environmental impact. Key strategies include: • Conservation Tillage: Reducing tillage preserves soil structure, enhances water retention, and decreases erosion. • Crop Rotation and Diversity: Rotating crops and growRead more
Implementing sustainable practices in agriculture is crucial to minimize its environmental impact. Key strategies include:
• Conservation Tillage: Reducing tillage preserves soil structure, enhances water retention, and decreases erosion.
• Crop Rotation and Diversity: Rotating crops and growing diverse plant species improve soil health, reduce pest and disease cycles, and increase biodiversity.
• Organic Farming: Avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides protects soil, water, and biodiversity while promoting natural ecological processes.
•Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to manage pests minimizes the reliance on harmful pesticides.
• Agroforestry: Integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes enhances biodiversity, sequesters carbon, and improves soil and water quality.
•Efficient Water Management: Techniques like drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting conserve water and reduce runoff and leaching.
• Cover Cropping: Planting cover crops during off-seasons prevents soil erosion, improves soil fertility, and captures carbon.
• Precision Agriculture: Utilizing technology to optimize field-level management regarding crop farming practices increases efficiency and reduces resource use.
•Reduced Chemical Inputs: Using natural fertilizers and biopesticides reduces chemical runoff and soil degradation.
•Sustainable Livestock Management: Practices like rotational grazing and manure management minimize environmental impacts and improve pasture health.
These practices collectively enhance soil health, conserve water, reduce chemical usage, and promote biodiversity, leading to more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.
See lessHow does organic farming differ from conventional farming, and what are some benefits of each approach?
Organic farming and conventional farming differ primarily in their approaches to soil health, pest and weed management, fertilizer use, and overall agricultural practices: Organic Farming: 1. Methods: Relies on natural methods like crop rotation, biological pest control, and composting. 2. FertilizeRead more
Organic farming and conventional farming differ primarily in their approaches to soil health, pest and weed management, fertilizer use, and overall agricultural practices:
Organic Farming:
1. Methods: Relies on natural methods like crop rotation, biological pest control, and composting.
2. Fertilizers: Uses natural fertilizers (compost, manure) and avoids synthetic chemicals.
3. Pesticides: Limits the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides.
4. GMOs: Prohibits genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
5. Soil Health: Focuses on enhancing soil fertility and biodiversity.
•Benefits of Organic Farming:
– Environmental: Reduces pollution, conserves water, and promotes biodiversity.
– Health: Limits exposure to synthetic chemicals in food and the environment.
– Soil: Enhances soil fertility and structure over time.
Conventional Farming:
1. Methods: Uses modern techniques and technologies, including synthetic chemicals.
2. Fertilizers: Uses synthetic fertilizers to provide specific nutrients.
3. Pesticides: Relies on synthetic pesticides and herbicides to control pests and weeds.
4. GMOs: Allows for the use of genetically modified crops where approved.
5. Yield: Often associated with higher yields per acre in certain crops.
•Benefits of Conventional Farming:
– Efficiency: Generally achieves higher yields per unit of land.
– Cost-Effectiveness: Can be more economically viable in some cases.
– Availability: Provides a more consistent supply of produce year-round.
Choosing between the two often depends on factors such as environmental impact, consumer preferences, market demands, and economic feasibility for farmers.
See lessHow we can use technology in Agriculture to benefits the farmers??
1. Precision Farming: Use GPS, drones, and satellite imaging to produce data on soil health, crop growth, and weather patterns. Analyze the same data for optimum crop yields, reducing wastes, and applying only the required quantity of water, fertilizers, and pesticides. 2. IoT-based Farming: The insRead more
Agriculture
The reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture presents a complex dilemma with multifaceted implications. While these inputs have significantly boosted agricultural productivity, their long-term use raises serious concerns. Chemical fertilizers contribute to soil degradation by rRead more
The reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture presents a complex dilemma with multifaceted implications. While these inputs have significantly boosted agricultural productivity, their long-term use raises serious concerns. Chemical fertilizers contribute to soil degradation by reducing microbial diversity and organic matter content, diminishing soil fertility over time. Pesticides, intended to control pests and diseases, pose risks to human health, biodiversity, and ecosystem stability through chemical residues and unintended ecological impacts.
Alternatives to chemical inputs, such as organic farming, integrated pest management, and agroecological approaches, offer promising solutions. Organic farming enhances soil health, reduces chemical exposure, and promotes biodiversity, although it typically yields lower initially. Integrated pest management combines biological, cultural, and chemical methods judiciously, minimizing pesticide use while managing pests effectively.
Transitioning away from chemical inputs requires policy support, farmer education, and investment in research for sustainable practices. Governments must incentivize sustainable agriculture through subsidies, training, and market support. The global shift towards sustainable development goals emphasizes reducing chemical dependency in agriculture for long-term food security, environmental preservation, and public health benefits.
Ultimately, a balanced approach integrating scientific innovation, ecological sensitivity, and socio-economic considerations is crucial to sustainably feed a growing population while preserving environmental integrity and human health.
See less