Agriculture

Agriculture

Agriculture is the science and art of cultivating plants and livestock. Agriculture was the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled people to live in cities. The history of agriculture began thousands of years ago. After gathering wild grains beginning at least 105,000 years ago, nascent farmers began to plant them around 11,500 years ago. Pigs, sheep and cattle were domesticated over 10,000 years ago. Plants were independently cultivated in at least 11 regions of the world. Industrial agriculture based on large-scale monoculture in the twentieth century came to dominate agricultural output, though about 2 billion people still depended on subsistence agriculture into the twenty-first. Modern agronomy, plant breeding, agrochemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers, and technological developments have sharply increased yields, while causing widespread ecological and environmental damage. Selective breeding and modern practices in animal husbandry have similarly increased the output of meat, but have raised concerns about animal welfare and environmental damage. Environmental issues include contributions to global warming, depletion of aquifers, deforestation, antibiotic resistance, and growth hormones in industrial meat production. Genetically modified organisms are widely used, although some are banned in certain countries. The major agricultural products can be broadly grouped into foods, fibers, fuels and raw materials (such as rubber). Food classes include cereals (grains), vegetables, fruits, oils, meat, milk, fungi and eggs. Over one-third of the world's workers are employed in agriculture, second only to the service sector, although in recent decades, the global trend of a decreasing number of agricultural workers continues, especially in developing countries where industrial agriculture and mechanization dominate.

Latest Publications

Cover image for Anna University Recruitment: 6G Ubiquitous Connectivity Lab Project Positions

Anna University Recruitment: 6G Ubiquitous Connectivity Lab Project Positions

Anna University, Chennai

Anna University, MIT Campus, Chennai, is recruiting for various project positions for the "6G Ubiquitous Connectivity Lab" project sponsored by the Telecom Centre of Excellence India (TCoE). The positions range …

Cover image for NIRF 2025 Data: Banaras Hindu University - Agriculture & Allied Sectors

NIRF 2025 Data: Banaras Hindu University - Agriculture & Allied Sectors

BHU: Banaras Hindu University

This document presents the data submitted by Banaras Hindu University (BHU) for the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025, specifically focusing on Agriculture and Allied Sectors. The data includes sanctioned …

Cover image for Annamalai University M.Sc. (Ag.) Exam Notice - November 2024

Annamalai University M.Sc. (Ag.) Exam Notice - November 2024

Annamalai University

This notice from Annamalai University concerns the upcoming M.Sc. (Ag.) degree examinations for Batch 2023-2025, including regular and supplementary exams. The deadline for exam fee payment is November 18, 2024, …

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Environmental Sciences and Climate Change Conference Program

Presidency College

This document outlines the program for a conference on Environmental Sciences including Climate Change, scheduled for January 17th and 18th, 2025, at the Geography Lecture Theatre, Department of Geography, Main …

Cover image for AgriHub Call for Project Proposals: Innovation in Agriculture

AgriHub Call for Project Proposals: Innovation in Agriculture

IITI: Indian Institute of Technology Indore

AgriHub, a collaborative Centre of Excellence, is inviting project proposals focused on innovation and indigenous technology development in agriculture to benefit farmers and associated ecosystems. The proposals should align with …

Cover image for Kerala University Contractual Hiring: Farm Laborer and Foreman

Kerala University Contractual Hiring: Farm Laborer and Foreman

University of Kerala

Kerala University is inviting applications for the positions of Farm Laborer and Foreman on a contract basis (89 days) at the Botany Department, Karyavattom Campus. Applicants for Farm Laborer must …

Cover image for BHU KVK and ICAR-AICRPs Project Recruitment 2024-25

BHU KVK and ICAR-AICRPs Project Recruitment 2024-25

BHU: Banaras Hindu University

Banaras Hindu University (BHU) invites online applications for temporary positions including Subject Matter Specialists for Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), RGSC, Barkachha, and various Scientific/Technical and Non-teaching roles under ICAR-AICRPs projects. …

Cover image for India-US Trade Negotiations: Navigating Tariffs and Building Trust

India-US Trade Negotiations: Navigating Tariffs and Building Trust

USI: United Service Institution of India

Trade negotiations between India and the United States in March 2025 aimed to improve bilateral economic relations amidst evolving global dynamics. Discussions focused on reducing tariffs, enhancing market access for …

Cover image for DEVAG Project: Questions and Debates 02 - Martinique 2013

DEVAG Project: Questions and Debates 02 - Martinique 2013

Manioc

This video excerpt from the DEVAG project in Martinique in 2013 focuses on identifying species for mixed cropping and associated cultures. It includes a report on fruit fly resistance in …

Cover image for European Farmers' Protests: Causes, Impacts, and Way Forward

European Farmers' Protests: Causes, Impacts, and Way Forward

USI: United Service Institution of India

This article examines the ongoing farmers' protests across Europe, triggered by issues such as low sales, rising costs, the influx of non-EU products, and strict environmental policies. The protests, marked …