Evolution of Agriculture: From Past to Present

1. PRT 2008 Lecture 1

2. Name of the Course Agriculture and Man

3. This course explores the evolution of agriculture from the beginnings to its present status as planned and managed activities, driven by economic and technological advancement. Modern agriculture is presented as a science , an art and a business encompassing its role and impact on resource management and human development. Discussion incorporates Malaysian agriculture scenarios Synopsis

4. Contents • Introduction and scope • Agricultural evolution • Agricultural revolution • Basic agricultural resources • Sustainable agriculture and agricultural economics • Innovation and challenges in agriculture • Approaches to agricultural development in Malaysia

5. Evaluation • Attendance – 20 % • Quiz 1 – 20 % • Quiz 2 – 20 % • Assignment – 40 %

6. References • Acquaah, G. 2002. Principle of Crop Production • Anon. 1999. 3 rd National Agricultural Policy (1998-2010). • Anon. 2003. Malaysian Agricultural Index. • Manning, R. 2005. Against the grain: How Agriculture has Hijacked Civilization. • Mazoyer, M and, L. Roudart. 2006. History of World Agriculture: from Neolithic Age to the Current Crisis.

7. Introduction and Scope • Definition • Importance of agriculture

8. Definition • Utilization of natural resource system to produce commodities to produce food, fiber, forest product, horticultural crops. • It involves farming – the art and science of cultivating soil, producing crops and raising livestock • Modern agriculture is a business involving processing of agricultural produce into food and non food products. E.g. palm oil, cocoa, rubber. • There has been a continual improvement of agricultural methods, resources and implements – scientists, inventors, engineers, etc. • Modern agriculture depends heavily on science and technology • The field of agriculture include agronomy, horticulture, plant breeding and genetics, entomology, pathology, soil science, dairying, animal husbandry, agricultural chemistry, agricultural engineering and agricultural economics. • Agriculture also involves soilless farming - hydroponics

9. Definition Cont. • Packing • Processing • Marketing

10. Importance of Agriculture • About 40 % (2002 estimate) of the world population are employed in agriculture • Asia’s share of the labor market reaches 80 % (India and China). • Africa – 14 % • Europe - < 10 % • Latin America – 3.5 % • North America - 1 %

11. Cont. Farming is sometimes referred to as subsistence agriculture – the production of enough food to meet the need of the family, e.g. in the underdeveloped countries.

12. Cont. In the developed West, farming is an industrial intensive agriculture, producing raw materials for the industrialized nations, obtaining significant financial income, e.g. food, fiber, fuel, ornamentals, meat, etc.

13. Cont. Food security in case of war, flood and drought.

14. Cont. Agricultural waste can be turned into feeds and fertilizers.

15. Sustainable agriculture • Sustainable land management (acid sulfate soil) • Soil pollution and contamination – nitrate, heavy metals • Overuse of pesticides - vegetables