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# Chapter 1: Production And Management Of Crops ## Introduction * 1.1 Agriculture * 1.2 Crop Plants * 1.3 Steps Involved In Crop Production * Preparation of soil * Manuring * Sowing * Irrigation * Crop Protection * Harvesting * Storage and distribution * 1.4 Increasing...

# Chapter 1: Production And Management Of Crops ## Introduction * 1.1 Agriculture * 1.2 Crop Plants * 1.3 Steps Involved In Crop Production * Preparation of soil * Manuring * Sowing * Irrigation * Crop Protection * Harvesting * Storage and distribution * 1.4 Increasing Crop Production * 1.5 Animal Husbandry ## Agriculture is a flourishing industry ### Definition: Agriculture is the production of food, feed, fibre, fuel and other goods by the systematic raising of plants and animals. The word _agri_ is derived from the Latin word _ager_ which means "a field" and the word _culture_ comes from the Latin word _cultura_ which means "cultivation". ## Production And Management Of Crops * The production and management of crops involve understanding how plants grow and how we use them to feed people. This is an important topic because agriculture is crucial to society and provides the food we eat every day. Adequate food supplies are very important for a healthy population. * The process of producing crops involves several steps: * Preparing the soil * Manuring * Sowing * Irrigation * Crop protection * Harvesting * Proper management of crops involves making sure the plants stay healthy and pests and diseases are taken care of. Sustainable agricultural practices are also important to protect the environment. * Hygienic storage of the harvest is just as vital to the management of the crops as any other practice. ## 1.1 AGRICULTURE * Agriculture is the most common occupation in the world and has grown tremendously over the years due to new scientific techniques and advances in crop production. * Agriculture can be classified into: * **Agronomy:** The study and development of agricultural practices. * **Horticulture:** Cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. * **Animal Husbandry:** Rearing and management of domestic animals.