The impact of farming on the society cannot be ignored. Without it, we will not have access to the nutritious and diverse foods that are essential for our health and well-being.
Farming is a necessity because it supports livelihood through the availability of food, habitat, and creation of jobs. It provides raw materials for food and other products and builds strong economies through trade.
In this article, we will discuss the farm, the duty of the farmer, and the need for more people to engage in farming
A farm is an area of land usually with a house, barn, silo, etc, that is devoted primarily to agricultural processes. Its primary objective is to produce food and other crops or raise animals, usually for sale.
We cannot talk about the farm or farming without involving the farmer who is responsible for cultivating the land or crops or raising animals.
Farmers play an important role on the farm through a process called farming. Farming is the cultivation of land, growing of crops, and rearing of animals. This farming process then leads to the production of the vast majority of the food we eat, from fresh fruits and vegetables to grains, meats, and dairy products.
The need for more people to engage in farming is because of the additional labour and manpower required in agricultural operations.
This need arises due to various factors and their implications on the agricultural industry and food production.
Here are 10 reasons more people should engage in farming:
1. Seasonal Nature of Agriculture
Farming is often highly seasonal, with peak workloads during planting and harvesting seasons. Having more hands on the farm during these times is crucial to ensure crops are planted and harvested promptly.
2. Growing World Population
As the global population continues to grow, there is increasing pressure on the agricultural sector to produce more food. This necessitates more hands on the farm to meet the rising demand for agricultural products.
3. Labour-Intensive Practices
Some agricultural practices, such as fruit picking or tending to livestock, are labour-intensive. They require a significant workforce to be carried out efficiently.
4. Aging Farming Population
In many countries, the farming population is predominantly occupied by older persons and younger generations are less inclined to pursue careers in agriculture. This demographic shift creates a need for more hands to replace retiring farmers.
5. Mechanisation and Technology
While technology has advanced in agriculture with the introduction of machinery and automation, there are still many tasks that require human intervention that cannot be fully replaced by machines. Thus, the need for skilled labour persists.
6. Diverse Farming Operations
Farms engage in various activities beyond crop cultivation, such as maintaining infrastructure, managing pests and diseases, and marketing produce. Each of these tasks may require additional labour.
7. Environmental Considerations
Sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices often demand more manual labour, such as organic farming methods that rely on hand weeding instead of herbicides.
8. Rural Employment
Agriculture remains a significant source of employment, particularly in rural areas. Increasing the number of hands on the farm can help generate jobs and support local economies.
9. Challenges in Finding Labour
Finding and retaining skilled farm labour can be a challenge, especially in regions with limited access to a labour pool. This can result in a persistent need for more hands on the farm.
10. Education and Training
To address this need, investments in education and training programmes for aspiring farmers and agricultural workers are essential. This can help ensure that the labour force is skilled and knowledgeable.
Conclusion
The need for more people to engage in farming is multifaceted. It is driven by factors such as population growth, the nature of agricultural practices, and the changing demographics of the farming population. Meeting this need is crucial for sustaining food production and supporting rural communities.
Researched by Olamide Opebiyi
