Agricultural development refers to efforts made to increase farm production in order to meet the growing demand of increasing population. This can be achieved in many ways such as increasing the cropped area, the number of crops grown, improving irrigation facilities, use of fertilizers and high-yielding variety of seeds. The mechanisation of agriculture is also another aspect of agricultural development. The ultimate aim of agricultural development is to increase food security.
Agriculture has developed in different places in different parts of the world. Developing countries with large populations usually practice intensive agriculture where crops are grown on small holdings mostly for subsistence. Larger holdings are more suitable for commercial agriculture as in the USA, Canada and Australia.
(i) Which of the following is an aspect of achieving agricultural development?
(a) Mechanisation
(b) Use of fertilisation
(c) Improve irrigation
(d) All of the above
(ii) Which type of agriculture is typically practiced in USA?
(a) Commercial agriculture
(b) Intensive agriculture
(c) Extensive agriculture
(d) Subsistence agriculture
(iii) Which factors could influence the success of agricultural development in both developing and developed countries?
(a) Climate change
(b) Government policies
(c) Availability of high-yielding seeds
(d) Cultural preferences
(iv) Why is intensive agriculture practiced in developing countries?
(a) To feed large population
(b) It is less water consuming
(c) To maintain soil fertility
(d) It is profitable
