Many of us think that farming is just so easy, despite knowing it deeper. what it takes to be a farmer……
Which type of farming would be efficient, either organic or conventional farming? Many of us think that farming is labor, but in reality, what if you own a farm and you grow organic crops?
Farming has both pros and cons of being a farmer and growing crops.
However, more than 40% of Americans lived in rural areas in 1900, and roughly 38% were employed in agriculture. This essay examines how various farming practices impact farmers’ earnings and how the food processing sector can boost profitability.”
BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
Firstly, farming was absolutely revolutionary when the discovery of knowing how to farm happened, as at that time there was an increase in the ability for land to support the people. This can mean growing maize and wheat. The fact that humans were really good at hunting made their lives easier. They took some of the seeds and dumped them on the ground or put them in the compost heaps and dumped them near their camp. They grew, and that was the beginning of farming.
Considering this, not only did this help them grow crops, but they were also able to build their houses, materials, and clothes. Farming began in places like the Middle East. In the past, they used to farm organically, as they didn’t have pesticides or fertilizers, and in order to keep the soil healthy, they used compost and animal manure. As they used labor-intensive techniques, this means they used their hands to make crops, as at that time the technology had not expanded.
Taking into account, this took years and years. From the late 1900s up to the present, there was an industrial revolution, which was the beginning and introduction of capital goods being replaced with labor, and this is how farming shifted from organic to conventional. Now in the present 21st century, people often prefer organic farming to conventional; however, not all of them prefer organic! The idea of using synthetic chemicals and fertilizers started in the late 1800s, but there was no name for it.
ORGANIC VS CONVENTIONAL
Acknowledging organic farming—a process where crops are grown organically without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and chemicals—organic farming is really good, as it does not harm the public health; it’s efficient, but also too much hard work is needed. Organic farming employs fewer pesticides, reduces soil erosion, decreases nitrate leaching into water sources, and recycles animal waste back into the farm.
Keeping in mind, organic crops generally have lower yields (approximately 25 percent lower) and higher costs for consumers. Organic farming produces a variety of fresh and processed foods, including fresh produce, meats, dairy products, crackers, drinks, and frozen meals. Recalling that organic farming is slower but efficient.
Apart from that, we have conventional farming that actively defines growing crops using pesticides and chemicals. Also, crops grow really fast, which is an advantage to the farmers—the more they reproduce, the more they sell! This is why people of the 21st century love conventional farming, as it’s cheaper and faster. The more they sell it at a cheaper price, the more customers buy at lower prices; this brings an equal demand and supply curve. Conventional farming, however, can result in pollution and soil degradation, which can impact long-term productivity.
IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Strongly believing in the 21st century, farming has turned into a business. Well, how? With technology expanding and also the population increasing more and more day by day, this makes a large quantity of food and crops needed, which results in farmers earning higher incomes in countries like the U.S., Japan, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, and the European Union.Between 2007 and 2018, the average farm income in the EU grew, reaching €35,300 per farm and €22,500 per annual working unit in 2018. This is because of modern methods and market support. Subsequently, we have to understand that farming incomes are not the same everywhere; farmers of different countries are paid low incomes due to the low economic status of these countries, which are like India, Tanzania, Nepal, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Nigeria….
Many low-income countries face setbacks; for instance, low-income nations’ ability to process and export food is restricted by a lack of infrastructure, cold storage, and market access. Countries that earn high incomes from being a farmer—they take part in producing crops on a large scale in the food processing industry, whereby they transform raw agricultural food into safe packaged food. This is why countries like Tanzania, Nepal, and Nigeria have low incomes, as they solely depend on selling raw crops, so understanding how the food processing industry plays a main role in farming is crucial.
Evidence shows that, when starting a food processing industry, technology plays an important role in ensuring products stay safe and sound. One of the most efficient methods uses radiation technology. Furthermore, technologies like food irradiation, which kills bacteria without cooking the food, are being used by industries to make food safer and last longer. All harmful bacteria will be eliminated, and nutritional quality will be maintained. Today more than 60 countries around the world expose agricultural and food products to radiation processing.
In contrast, according to the UN FAO, over 200 thousand tonnes of irradiated products are annually put on the market in Europe alone. About 40 different food products are processed. The use of radiation can not only control diseases but also improve food security. In addition to that, farmers and businesses can sell their goods to far-off markets without sacrificing quality because processed foods have a longer shelf life. Radiation technology is a contemporary solution that enables the food industry to produce goods that are profitable, safe, and fresh.
Having devoted attention, food and nutrition are the way that we get fuel, providing energy for our bodies. We need to replace nutrients in our bodies with a new supply every day. This illustrates that food processing and nutritionists work together to make it tasty and also create a balanced diet meal that contains all sorts of vitamins, calcium, fiber, fats, and oil. From the moment the crops are grown to the way they are handled, it varies a lot. For instance, organic farming avoids chemicals and is safer for public health, while conventional farming is cheap and fast but sadly harms public health without us knowing until we age! Similarly to a phrase like this, smoking affects the health of a nonsmoker.
CONCLUSION
To sum up everything, Farming plays a vital role in everyday life, from planting seeds for crops to health, economics, and technology. Whether it’s organic or conventional, it impacts our health, environment, and farmers’ income. Apparently, we live in a world where countries like Tanzania and India still face challenges while others in developed nations earn twice as much through subsidies and maybe export and import services. The food processing industry closes the gap by ensuring food security and maintaining public health, as in the end a balance that respects the environment, feeds the populace, and values farmers must be achieved. However, the future of farming must depend on finding solutions; for instance, the government providing subsidies and investing in infrastructure and training. Not only this, but also farming is not only about growing crops, but it’s also about shaping the future! I strongly believe if we balance technology with environmental care.
By: afren abdulrehman dawood
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