Agriculture is one of the world’s largest industries. By 2050, the world’s population is predicted to reach 9.9 billion. This rapid population growth is increasing the demand for agriculture to meet the growing demand. Amazing facts abound in the agricultural industry.
Let’s tell you just some of them.
Contrary to widespread assumption, agriculture involves much more than cows and plows! Here are a few intriguing facts about agriculture that you probably didn’t know.
Agriculture is the Largest Employer in the World
There are several career options in the agriculture industry, ranging from desk positions to field work; there is something for everyone. However, one of the most fascinating facts about agriculture is that it is the world’s single largest employer, employing 40% of the worldwide population.
The prospects in agriculture are limitless. If you wish to enter this ever-growing field full of learning and growth opportunities, Agriculture Recruitment Specialists will help you navigate the process and link you with some of the world’s top brands.
Nearly Everything We Eat and Wear is A Product of Agriculture
Look around you, and you’ll see that practically everything you eat or wear is derived from crops and livestock raised on farms and is a product of the ever-expanding agricultural economy. As a result, various products available range from cotton and wool to multiple fruits and vegetables.
Farmers Must Increase Their Food Production by 70% to Cater to the Growing Population by 2025
The world’s population is growing at a rapid pace, as does demand for agricultural products. Overall, food production must expand by 70% to meet the needs of this wealthier and more urbanized population and to avert food shortages and worldwide hunger concerns. However, more excellent agricultural operations can only address hunger caused by expanding social, political, and economic problems.
One Acre of Farming Land is Equivalent to the Size of an American Football Field
Farms must be large enough to produce huge quantities of food in order to meet local and international food demand. Have you ever considered the size of a farm? An acre of farming land is roughly the size of a football field or 48,000 square feet.
43% of the Global Agriculture Consists of Women
Women account for a sizable proportion of the worldwide agriculture sector (about 43%). Women are responsible for 60% to 80% of food production in poor countries. In addition, they serve as farming specialists in many farming communities, with extensive knowledge of a wide range of crop species.
Organic Farming Produces Ten Times the Profit of Conventional Farming
Organic farming aims to promote and protect soil health via the use of sustainable farming methods. It is extremely labor intensive, requiring 2.5 times the work of regular farming. Despite the higher labor costs, it produces ten times the earnings. Organic farms have minimal input costs, resulting in significant savings for farmers.
The Majority of the Farms Worldwide are Family-Owned
Family-owned farms produce around 56% of overall food production. Over 57 million farms in the globe are run by small families. These family-owned businesses range from smallholdings to huge farms employing revolutionary farming practices.
A Huge Percentage of Farmers are High-Tech
Farmers are far more technologically advanced than the general public believes. It is no longer taught in history books, where all tasks require manual labor. Instead, farming techniques have evolved, agritech has grown in popularity, and farmers have invested in high-tech technology to make their life easier and boost productivity and processes.
Pesticide Residues are Affecting Food Safety
Pesticides are used to protect crops from insects and other pests. People tend to underestimate the adverse effects because the residue is not evident in the food. It is vital to highlight that pesticides can be harmful to both humans and animals’ health.
There is a Global Shortage of People Working in the Agriculture Sector
Simply put, more agricultural laborers must be needed to meet the rising demand for agricultural goods. Unfortunately, the number of employment vacancies exceeds the number of qualified candidates. Where there is a scarcity of available people, earnings and incomes might rise, making it an appealing business to work in.
Organic Food Production Does Not Involve the Use of Synthetic Fertilisers or Pesticides
Natural pesticides, such as mineral salts and naturally derived insecticides from plants, are used in organic farming practices. These insecticides are less toxic than those used in conventional farming.
Wheat Is The Most Popular Grain Directly Consumed by Humans
Wheat is one of the most important staple crops on the planet. As a result, it is becoming more popular, particularly in areas experiencing rapid urbanization and industrialization. In addition, wheat is the most often consumed grain by humans due to its health benefits and versatility.
The Natural Pesticides Used in Organic Farming May Not Always Be The Best Thing for the Crops
People frequently believe that natural pesticides represent no risk or harm to the environment. That is only sometimes the case, however. For example, organic farming may include using natural pesticides such as pyrethrin, which degrades swiftly in the environment compared to traditional pesticides. This rapid disintegration necessitates the use of numerous treatments, which also kills beneficial insects. Furthermore, ploughing and cultivation in organic farming might contribute to soil erosion. Traditional farming practices, on the other hand, are focused on reducing tillage.
Industrial Farming Practices Carry the Risk of Spreading Viruses from Animals to Humans
Intensive industrial farming practices can result in genetic similarities among cattle, making them sensitive to infections and increasing virus spread, which can ultimately be passed on to people.
Around 9.2% of the Total Population of the World is Food Insecure
Even though there is adequate food for the world’s population, over 829 million people go hungry, and approximately 9.2 percent of the world’s population is food insecure.
Read more: What Is Smart Farming, and What Are Its Advantages and Disadvantages?