Chapter Overview:
With a growing population, the demand for food is increasing. This chapter deals with sustainable
practices in agriculture (Crop Production and Management) and Animal Husbandry to ensure food security.
1. Improvement in Crop Yields
(a) Crop Variety Improvement
Developing new varieties through Hybridization (Genetic Engineering). Focus areas:
- Higher Yield. | Improved Quality. | Biotic and Abiotic resistance. | Change in maturity duration. |
Wider adaptability. | Desirable agronomic traits.
(b) Crop Production Management
1. Nutrient Management:
- Macronutrients (Required in large amount): N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S.
- Micronutrients (Small amount): Fe, Mn, B, Zn, Cu, Mo, Cl.
Manure vs Fertilizers:
| Manure |
Fertilizer |
| Organic natural substance. |
Inorganic chemical substance. |
| Adds humus to soil. |
Does not add humus. |
| Less nutrient rich but long term. |
Nutrient specific (N-P-K) and fast. |
2. Irrigation: Wells, Canals, River Lift Systems, Tanks.
3. Cropping Patterns:
- Mixed Cropping: Growing two or more crops simultaneously on same land. (e.g., Wheat
+ Gram). Risk reduction.
- Inter-cropping: Growing crops in alternate rows. (e.g., Soyabean + Maize). Nutrient
efficiency.
- Crop Rotation: Growing different crops in pre-planned succession. Maintains soil
fertility.
(c) Crop Protection Management
- Weed Control: Removal of unwanted plants (Weeds) like Xanthium, Parthenium. Methods:
Mechanical removal, Herbicides.
- Pest Control: Insects attack stems, leaves, roots. Control: Pesticides.
- Storage: Grains should be dried (<14% moisture) and stored in silos to prevent attack
by fungi and rodents.
2. Animal Husbandry
Scientific management of animal livestock.
(a) Cattle Farming
- Milch Animals: Milk producing females (Cows, Buffaloes).
- Draught Animals: Used for farm labour (Bulls).
- Breeds:
- Exotic: Jersey, Brown Swiss (Long lactation).
- Indigenous: Red Sindhi, Sahiwal (Disease resistance).
(b) Poultry Farming
- Layers: Egg production.
- Broilers: Meat production.
- Cross-breeding done to improve quality (e.g., Aseel x Leghorn).
(c) Fish Production (Pisciculture)
Composite Fish Culture:
Growing 5-6 species in a single pond that do not compete for food.
- Catlas: Surface feeders.
- Rohus: Middle zone feeders.
- Mrigals/Common Carps: Bottom feeders.
(d) Beekeeping (Apiculture)
Rearing of honey bees for Honey and Wax.
- Italian Bee ($Apis mellifera$): High honey collection capacity, stings less, breeds
well.
- Pasturage: Availability of flowers determines quality and taste of honey.
Q1: What are macronutrients? Give examples.
Ans: Nutrients required by plants in large quantities. e.g., Nitrogen, Phosphorus,
Potassium.
Q2: Why is Italian bee popular in bee-keeping?
Ans: Because it has high honey collection capacity, stings less, and stays in a given
beehive for long periods.
