TOPIC 1

TOPIC 2

PREHISTORIC ERA THROUGH THE MIDDLE AGES and DOMESTICATION of PLANTS and ANIMALS.

UTILISATION of HUMAN LABOUR, ANIMALS, MACHINES, INFORMATION and BIOTECHNOLOGY

TOPIC 3

TOPIC 4

VALUES, CUSTOMS and TABOOS IN TRADITIONAL and MODERN AGRICULTURE

THE CULTURE of NOMADIC and SEDENTARY AGRICULTURE

TOPIC 5

TOPIC 6

INFLUENCE of RELIGION on AGRICULTURE

INFLUENCE of LIFESTYLE on AGRICULTURE

Began 7000 years ago Tigris Euphrates valley  5000 years ago human started farming @ prehistoric era  Grain Crops wild rye,barley,wheat,peas & beans  Wheat first crop grown & harvested using a sickle on significant scale  Cultivation practices climatic conditions + social structure (individual VS community)


Global Agricultural Evolution  -started between 850-1650 BC  -domestication of plants and animals  -full dependency :did not begin untill the middle Bronze Age use of metal tools became widespread


Domestication :involves deliberate husbandry & breeding of plants and animals breeding : involves selection of desirable traits brought about by genetic changes

domestication animals act as : (1) as beast of burden (2) as sources of food, milk, leather & wool (3) animals hardy,docile & non-territorial

large scale farming : started by Sumerians

improvement in Agriculture :-

(1) rotating with legumes & root crops (2) employing scientific method in agricultural research (3) transfering crop & animal germplasms from lands of origin (4)using fuel powered machines to increase yield & reduce labour (5)introducing mechanisation (6)performing rudimentary food-processing

Agriculture In The Middle Ages

(500-1500 A.D.)

Advance irrigation system made use of machines, dams & reservoirs. Scientific approach to farming that adopted improved farming techniques aided by published manuals-enabled raising of crops & animals. Incentives :-form of land ownership, workers rights and financial rewards commensurate with efforts. Introduction :- new crop & plant species & new cultivation techniques derived from research

Modern Agriculture Evolution

Started 1950s When yield per land unit has increased many times more <with tremendous improvement in agricultural practices> 20th century:-rapid rise in mechanization that enabled farm activities to be performed speed + on a scale efficiency + higher quantity + quality = production Green Revolution:- between 1940s and 1960s

REITERATION OF THE STORY OF AGRICULTURE

Tool & machinery (1) decreased burden & increased efficiency (2) Some jobs innovative tech :cannot be replaced help increased yields & by machines
E.g.: packing fruits and vegetables/rubber tapping/harvesting oil palm fruits

Human labour Heavy duties performed by animals

Now agriculture moved into fast lane information technology enables quick dissemination of knowledge

varieties / genetic engineering creates transgenic life forms superior to original versions

Modern Agriculture : a) Intensive and mass production as requites of agribusiness b) Extensive use of machinery and electronics, from land preparation to harvesting c) Extensive use of chemicals for fertilizers and pest control. d) Widespread use of clones, hybrids and selected high yielding varieties. e) Employment of highly knowledgeable and skilled workers. f) Industrial approach with monocultural system and highly efficient management. g) No attention given to tradition and taboos by professionals who manage the system.

Topic 4 : CULTURE of NOMADIC and SEDENTARY AFRICULTURE NOMADIC AGRICULTURE Known as slash & burn Short term planting lasts only for 2-3 seasons. Cultivation is either on fertile virgin jungle soil / on hill slopes. Customs & taboos place in daily farm activities where headman plays significant role in decisions made. Yields are poor/sufficient/deterioriate every year Minimal fertilizer input resulting in lose of nutrients & fertility Planting done water areas food can result, discrupting the ecosystem Plant species & valuable herbs lost affect biodiversity SEDENTARY AGRICULTURE oDenotes cultivation on the same piece of land year in year out community remains sedentary oPerformed specific area by rural folks on a small scale / big commercial ventures.

Topic 5 : INFLUENCE of RELIGION on AGRICULTURE ISLAM In An Nahl CHRISTIANS Contribute in any way to the detriment of the environment HINDU Believe the vaishas are Aryans whe tended cattle SHAMAN Perform certain right when opening a new piece of agricultural land / starting a crop season asking for rain in times of drought / requesting for bumper yield.

Topic 6 : INFLUENCE of LIFESTYLE on AGRICULTURE For special day : Mothers Day / Valentines Day / Convocations Day