WHY AGRICULTURE?
The agricultural sector is a critical component of the global economy. According to
experts, the agricultural industry is approximately 25% of Global GDP and is a constantly
growing part of it.
It’s the main source of raw materials
Many raw materials, whether it’s cotton, sugar, wood, or palm oil, come from agriculture.
These materials are essential to major industries in ways many people aren’t even aware
of, such as the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, diesel fuel, plastic, and more.
It’s important to international trade
Raw materials from agriculture make up a huge portion of what’s traded internationally.
Countries with plenty of those supplies export them and trade for materials they don’t
have. If a country’s agriculture suffers for some reason, prices can go up and it disrupts
the flow of trade
It plays a big role in a nation’s revenue
Speaking of trade, developing countries still get most of their national income from
agricultural exports. While developed countries don’t depend on agriculture as much as
they used to, their economies would definitely take a hit if all exports suddenly stopped.
It provides employment
The agricultural industry is still one of the biggest sources of employment and in
many areas, it’s actually booming. Whether it’s working as a farmer, harvester,
technician for farm equipment, scientist, and so on, there are plenty of jobs available
in this field.
It’s crucial to a country’s development
Economic development is tied to a country’s agriculture sector. When trade, national
revenue, and employment are combined in a positive way, a country enjoys reduced
poverty and boosted economic growth. Because strong agriculture results in benefits
fairly quickly, focusing on it is one of the best ways to speed up development and
improve a country’s standing in the world.
It can help heal the environment
Agriculture possesses the power to harm or heal. When farmers prioritize biodiversity
on their land, it benefits the earth. Having more biodiversity results in healthier soil,
less erosion, better water conservation, and healthier pollinators.
It’s the source of our food supply
Arguably the most important aspect of agriculture is that it’s the source of the world’s
food supply. No matter where or what you are eating, the ingredients in your meals
came from somewhere. All roads lead to agriculture. In countries dealing with food
insecurity and severe malnourishment, it’s because their agriculture sectors are
suffering. When agriculture thrives, fewer people go hungry.
It’s crucial to a country’s development
Economic development is tied to a country’s agriculture sector. When trade, national
revenue, and employment are combined in a positive way, a country enjoys reduced
poverty and boosted economic growth. Because strong agriculture results in benefits
fairly quickly, focusing on it is one of the best ways to speed up development and
improve a country’s standing in the world.
It can help heal the environment
Agriculture possesses the power to harm or heal. When farmers prioritize biodiversity
on their land, it benefits the earth. Having more biodiversity results in healthier soil,
less erosion, better water conservation, and healthier pollinators.
The state of agriculture reflects our future
When it comes to pollution and climate change, the environment and agriculture
suffer the quickest and with the most clear consequences. If effective changes
aren’t made, climate change’s impact on agriculture will decimate a country’s
economy and eventually wipe out the food supply. To get a better idea about where
humanity is going to end up, look at agriculture. What’s being done to adapt to a
rapidly-changing climate? What will our food supply look like? The state of agriculture
is a good litmus test of what we can expect the future to look like.
It drives innovation in technology
Because healthy agriculture is so essential to a country’s well-being, it’s been the
setting of some of the most exciting innovations in technology. Through artificial
intelligence, blockchain software, gene manipulation, and more, scientists and
farmers have been figuring out ways to increase crop productivity, use less water,
and reduce negative impacts on the environment. For scientists and tech companies,
agribusiness is one of the most fascinating and productive fields to work in.