Basic Knowledge in Agriculture

I encountered a striking conversation that day. A man approached me and said, "I'm not accustomed to a hard life, and visiting the farm to plant crops isn't my thing". His words were poignant, considering he struggled to provide enough food for himself and his family. I couldn't help but think, isn't agriculture the very foundation of our existence? Agriculture indeed is the backbone of human civilization, weaving together food security, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and community development.

Agriculture has saved so many lives for centuries, and its worth knowing some basic knowledge about it. I'll like to share some basic knowledge of mine regarding agriculture by answering the following questions below:

Photosynthesis is a process by which plants make food from sunlight, water, and air. They use energy from the sun to turn carbon dioxide and water into glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen. In simple terms, photosynthesis is a process by which plants grow and produce/make food. Photosynthesis is the foundation of agriculture, and agricultural productivity would surely collapse without it. Here are some important of photosynthesis in agriculture:

• Photosynthesis is very crucial for agriculture because plants grow and produce their food through that means.

• There's what we call "yields" in crops, with the existence of photosynthesis in agriculture, it helps to increase yields and develop crops.

• There are some soil with bad health which destroys crops. With the existence of photosynthesis in agriculture , it'll improve soil health and plants roots.

• Photosynthesis helps to regulate the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide, which supports life on earth and agriculture.

The key essential nutrients required by plants are divided into two categories; macronutrients and micronutrients. Below are some of the role they play in plant growth:

_{Macronutrients}

1. Nitrogen (N)
   • Role: Leaf growth, protein synthesis, chlorophyll production
   • Deficiency: Stunted growth, yellowing leaves
2. Phosphorus (P)
   • Role: Root development, flower and fruit formation, energy transfer
   • Deficiency: Poor root growth, reduced yields
3. Potassium (K)
   • Role: Water balance, nutrient transport, disease resistance
   • Deficiency: Weak stems, reduced yields

_{Micronutrients}

1. Boron (B)
   • Role: Cell wall development, nutrient uptake, hormone regulation
   • Deficiency: Poor cell wall growth, reduced yields
2. Copper (Cu)
   • Role: Photosynthesis, enzyme activity, disease resistance
   • Deficiency: Reduced photosynthesis, increased disease susceptibility
3. Iron (Fe)
   • Role: Photosynthesis, nutrient transport, energy production
   • Deficiency: Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), reduced growth

_{Mixed farming}

Just as the name implies, mixed farming refers to an agricultural practice where by numerous farming activities are combined in the same plot of land. This involves, growing crops, raising livestock, fish farming in just one portion of land.

_{Crop rotation}

While in crop rotation, the farmer will systematically change the type of crops grown on a specific farm land. In crop rotation system of farming, they farmer can decide to farm maize, soyabeans, rice and wheat, in the same farm land overtime.

Food security and stability: Nigeria's burgeoning population underscores the pivotal role of agriculture in ensuring food security and stability. The sector provides a lifeline for millions, yielding stable crops such as maize, cassava, yam, and rice, which constitute the backbone of the nation's food supply.

Poverty reduction: That's a powerful testament to the impact of agriculture on poverty reduction in Nigeria! Agriculture has indeed been a game-changer, providing livelihood opportunities and lifting millions out of poverty. By creating employment, increasing food availability and affordability, empowering rural communities, and stimulating local economies, agriculture has helped mitigate the devastating effects of poverty.

Create jobs and reduce unemployment: Agriculture indeed serves as a lifeline for many Nigerians, providing a means of self-employment and sustenance amidst economic challenges and governance issues. By cultivating their own farmland, individuals can generate income through crop sales, produce food for personal consumption and family well-being, develop a sense of self-reliance and empowerment and also create opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation.

If not for agriculture, I don't know how my dear country would be now. Agriculture is what sustains me and my family, and I'm grateful for its existence.

_{I would like to invite @josepha @ruthjoe and @ashkhan to participate}