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Top 20 Agricultural Facts That Will Amaze You

Facts about Indian and foreign agriculture, its production, and economic growth.

Updated on: 5 March, 2021 5:10 PM IST By: Swati Sharma

We consume several agricultural products in our daily life like wheat, rice, pulses, dairy products, cosmetics, soap, furniture, etc. without thinking about the farmer who puts a lot of effort to bring those products to your doorstep.

These farmers are becoming educated more about the agricultural facts, more tech-savvy, and doing multiple hybrid experiments to make various products.

With the help of export, they are generating good revenue for themselves to improve their living standards.

Surprising agriculture facts

Today, we will take you on a tour of agriculture facts worldwide:

1. Agriculture is the largest employer in the world

Almost all industries depend on agricultural raw products. Agriculture is the backbone of all countries. Each country's GDP, economy, development, etc. depends on agricultural growth.

2. India is the 2nd largest agricultural producer and 7th largest exporter of agricultural goods

India is the world’s biggest producer of pulses, rice, milk, jute, and cotton. Now India can fulfill the needs of Indian people and export to all over the world. In 2019, India accumulated an $8.25 billion trade surplus of agricultural and forestry goods.

3. Farmers need to produce 70% more food than today to feed the world’s growing population by 2050

As per the study, farmers need to produce 70% more food because the population will increase from 7 million to 9 million by 2050. We can achieve this figure through improvements in the agricultural processes.

4. Organic farming is not the sustainable model of Indian agriculture

Only 1% of agricultural land produces organic products worldwide as the productivity is very low.Sikkim is the only state that claimed itself as an organic farming state and heavily dependent on other states to feed its population.

5. More than 6000 varieties of apple are grown around the world

Yes, that’s true. The biggest producer of apple varieties is China, followed by the United States, Turkey, Russian, Iran, and India.Pink lady, Fuji, Empire, Golden Delicious, Gala, Honey crisp are a few varieties.

6. An acre of land is about the same size as a football field

The football field is pretty close to an acre in size. Officially, it is 43,560 square feet, and a football field is 48,000 square feet.

7. Bananas are the number one fruit crop in the world

Bananas are the 4th largest crop after wheat, rice, and corn. India is the biggest producer of bananas than any other country.

8. Goats were the first animal to be domesticated

According to many studies, goats were the first domesticated animal. They are the cleanest of animals and more select feeders than cows, chickens, or dogs. They will not eat contaminated food or ground food.

9. Bees contribute to more than $15 billion worth of crops every year through pollination

Bees pollinate 80% of the world’s plants, including 90 different food crops. The honey bee is responsible for $15 billion in U.S crops each year.

Indian cotton is famous worldwide; India is the biggest exporter of cotton in the world. Cotton textile from India is exported to the U.S, Italy, Germany, and many other countries.

11. The Dust Bowl exodus was the largest migration in American history

The dust bowl forced thousands of farmers, known as Oakies, to leave their farms because wages were low, and many lived in dirt and squalor in tents.

12. Average farmers of U.S are elderly

Approx. 60% of the farmers in the U.S are 55 years older. Aging farmer generates the concern about the long-term health of family farms.

13. India is the biggest producer of milk and the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables

India is the largest producer of ginger, okra, potatoes, onions, brinjal, etc., amongst vegetables. In fruits, the country achieves the first position in the production of bananas, papayas, and mangoes.

14. India holds the first position in organic farming

Sikkim is the first state in the world that claimed 100% organic farming. Other cities involved in organic agriculture in India are Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh.

Soybeans

15. Crayons are grown from Soybeans

Soybean oil is a crucial ingredient in making crayons. Soya crayons glide smoother and don’t flake. The colors made using the soybean oils are dazzling, less toxic to children, and completely biodegradable

16. The fungus helps trees grow

The fungus has fine threads that produce fungal mycelium; it can roll over long distances, fungi can hold water and nutrients from far away and bring them back along the fine threads and close to plant roots.

17. Nothing can be injected into the fruits and vegetable post-harvest

You can verify the above by injecting colored water into a ripe unpeeled banana or uncut papaya. The colored water will immediately drip out from the point of injection.

As per the studies, animal hormones can’t change fruit or vegetable size overnight.

18. Each American farmer produces food and fiber for 165 people annually both in the U.S and abroad

In 1960, a farmer fed just 26 people. Today’s farmer production has increased twice from his parents using less land, water, and emissions.

 

19. Globally, 70% of farm operators are women

About 30% of the 3.3 million farm operators are women in the U.S., Women farm operators have increased 20% from 2002, and more than 75% of women-owned their lands.

20. Indian farmers are multitaskers

Other than inclining to crops, they also play a mechanic, veterinarian, businessman, weather, marketer, and scientist.

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