Agriculture is the art and science of rearing animals and planting crops. It is the source of food production for a society and the background of food security.

Importance of agriculture for society and economy

1. Provides Raw Material: Agriculture provides raw material to many industries such as cotton, jute, sugarcane etc and thus supports their production and growth.
2. Supports Livelihood: Industries related to agriculture such as food processing and agrochemicals generate employment, especially in rural areas. About 46% of country’s total workforce was engaged in agriculture and allied sector during 2022-23.
3. Builds Strong Economy: Agriculture is the most significant source of income for the central and state governments. It supports the industrial sector, exports of the country are highly based on agriculture products. 
4. It is the background of food security as it supplies almost 80% of the total food.

Agriculture and it’s impact on global food security and sustainability 

Food security is is central to the agricultural industry as agriculture is the main source of the world’s food supply. Food security is interrelated with sustainable food and agricultural sectors, where the needs of present and future generations are met in commitment with the environmental, social, and economic dimensions. In fact, food security is already considered by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely in the goal 2 for zero hunger.

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.