Page 286 - 9 teachers social book 9 @ 2077 ctp_Neat

Lesson Agriculture
8.1

FACTS According to the census BS 2068, total
to Understand dependency in agriculture in Nepal is 67% . It has
been reduced from 80.1% in 2058 BS census.

Agriculture is concerned with the cultivation of land, growing cash crops and food
crops, rearing animals for household purposes or commercial purposes. It is the
major economic activity of the world and basic occupation of the underdeveloped and
developing countries as Nepal. The total dependency on agriculture in Nepal is 67%
and the arable land is 18%. The total 17% of land in the Terai is fertile and 1% of the
hilly region including tars, basin, valleys, etc.
The agriculture has contributed about 36% in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It
has an important role in the economic development of the country. Agriculture is the
main foodstuff not only for the human being but also for the animals and poultry.
It also provides necessary raw materials for agro-industries. If modern scientific
agriculture is adopted and it is commercialized, it can help to reduce unemployment
problem and alleviate poverty.

The agriculture is still practised in Nepal in a traditional way. People are using oxen,
ploughs and other traditional agricultural tools. Still the dependency is high but
resources are limited. Therefore, production in Nepal is not sufficient for the growing
population. So foodstuffs are imported from other countries subsistence farming in
Nepal.

There are two ways to carry out farming they are subsistence and commercial farming
and Nepal mainly practices the first one. In subsistence farming, farmers grow crops
for their livelihood only. They use traditional method. Therefore, production is limited
and sometime even not enough to join hand and mouth.
A peasant or farmer grow crops and rear cattle for his own needs. All the family member
engage in farming. Even though making surplus food, earning money and improving
living standard is very difficult for them. Agriculture gives seasonal employment
because farmers depend on monsoon rain only. Almost for about 4 months, farmers
become jobless. This leads to the low PCI (Per Capita Income) in the country.

In commercial farming, agriculture is done mainly for the purpose of selling. So, all
kinds of methods can be used to get better yielding of crops. Instead of manure chemical
fertilizers are used, improved seeds, pesticides for better crop protection from various
diseases, irrigation facilities, crop rotation, soil testing, etc. are done. Commercial
farming is done in a small number in comparison to the traditional farming. Though in
every economic planning, the priority is given to the commercial farming but due to the
various difficulties, still it couldn’t be practiced. The government has become aware and
conscious to give priority as well as implementation of commercial farming.

Dynamic Social Studies - Book IX 286