Promoting the application of
science and technology in agriculture is the foundation to improve the
productivity, quality, efficiency and competitiveness of agriculture,
contributing to the modernization of agriculture and rural areas, ensuring food
security, social security and income enhancement for agricultural producers and
traders.
The contribution of science and
technology, Vietnam's agricultural industry has always won many great
achievements, fulfilling its fundamental role and supporting the country's
economy.
Specifically, outstanding results from the application of science and technology in agriculture.
Read On: Agricultural Development: Definition and Characteristics
Major contributions of science and technology in agriculture
Consequent
upon the desire to increase efficiency in agricultural production, some farmers
now specialize in some specific aspects of agriculture, such as poultry, cattle
rearing, piggery and cultivation of specific crops.
Thus,
science and technology has played a significant role in the areas of mechanization
of agricultural production, protection of crops and animals, improvement of soil
fertility for increased crop yield, production of disease resistant varieties
of crop and species of animals.
Still
on the major contributions of science and technology in agriculture:
Let
us consider the following.
1. Mechanization of
agricultural production: Mechanization enhances significant improvement
in the design and fabrication of agricultural machineries and tools.
Cultivation of land is now done with the use of ploughs and harrows.
Tractor-driven implements like planters, harvesters etc., are now used in the
farm. Besides, simple farm tools like cutlasses, hoes are being modified for
increased efficiency.
Battery
cages are fabricated for poultry production; recently, with the high cost of
procuring conventional metal battery cages wood is now used to build battery
cages in Nigeria.
2. Protection of crops and
livestock: Various agro-chemicals have been produced by scientists
to control pests and diseases of crops and livestock. Insecticides, pesticides,
fungicides are used to control the infestation of crops and animals in farms.
Fungus
disease in maize is controlled by using fungicides; while herbicides are used
to control weeds. Animals are treated in the farm by veterinarians; and
vaccination ensures that animals are immunized against diseases.
3. Breeding:
High yielding varieties of plants and animals are developed through breeding to
increase farmers’ output. Besides, varieties which are resistant to pest and
diseases are also produced by scientists; for instance, high yielding varieties
of cassava developed by scientists at the International Institute of Tropical
Agriculture (IITA) is now widely cultivated by farmers in Nigeria.
Artificial
Insemination (AI) was developed to effect fertilization in the female animal
without being in contact with the male counterpart. This method has the
advantage of reducing wastage of sperm, thereby enhancing increased production.
Scientists
have developed high yielding cowpeas varieties (such as ire brown) which are
resistant to multiple diseases and insects- which reduce grain quality and seed
viability, thus making seed unfit for planting.
4. Improvement of soil
fertility: Soil scientists have discovered the use of inorganic
chemical compounds in replenishing soil minerals. The mineral depleted from the
soil due to excessive cropping can be replaced through application of inorganic
fertilizers as well as organic manures.
Scientific
agricultural systems (crop rotation) have been discovered by scientists to
improve farmer’s performance in agricultural productions.
5.
Contribute to perfecting the sustainable farming system: The
application of advanced, environmentally friendly production processes (such as
Viet GAP, Global GAP, etc.) has been increasingly popularized and
replicated.
The cultivation techniques
and production processes adapted to climate change have also been promoted.
Conclusion on the Role of Science and Technology in
Agriculture
In this article, you have learnt that agricultural development implies sustained improvement, advancement or growth in the various facets of the agricultural sector (i.e. crops and livestock, etc.).
Thus, there can be agricultural growth without development. Science and
technology has also made a major impact in agricultural operations so as to
keep pace with socio-economic development.
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