SUMMARY OF STRANDS AND SUB STRANDS
- CROP PRODUCTION
- Agricultural Land
- Properties of Soil
- Land Preparation
- Field Management Practices
- Growing Selected Crops
- Crop Protection
- General Crop Harvesting
- ANIMAL PRODUCTION
- Breeds of Livestock
- Animal Handling and Safety
- General Animal Health
- Bee Keeping
- Animal Rearing Project
- AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
- Tools and Equipment
- Product Processing and Value Addition
- Establishing Agricultural Enterprise
- Marketing Agricultural Produce
- Composting Techniques
STRAND 1: CROP PRODUCTION
Strand: Crop Production Sub-strand: Land
Land is a fundamental resource for agricultural production. Access to suitable land is the first crucial step for any agricultural activity. There are various ways individuals or groups can acquire land for farming:
- Leasing:
- Definition: Leasing involves obtaining the right to use land for a specified period in exchange for rent paid to the landowner.
- Advantages:
- Lower initial cost: Requires less capital compared to buying.
- Flexibility: Farmers can adjust the size of land they cultivate based on their needs and resources without a long-term commitment.
- Access to larger land: Farmers with limited capital can access larger pieces of land.
- Reduced responsibility: The landowner usually bears the responsibility for major land improvements and taxes.
- Disadvantages:
- Lack of long-term security: The lease agreement may not be renewed, leading to uncertainty.
- Limited investment incentive: Lessees may be hesitant to make longterm improvements on leased land.
- Rental costs: Regular rent payments can be a significant expense.
- Restrictions: Lease agreements may impose restrictions on the types of crops grown or farming practices.
- Inheriting:
- Definition: Inheritance involves receiving land as part of the estate of a deceased person.
- Advantages:
- No direct cost: The land is acquired without immediate financial outlay.
- Potential for sentimental value: The land may have been in the family for generations.
- Disadvantages:
- Potential for disputes: Inheritance can sometimes lead to conflicts among family members regarding land ownership and division.
- Fragmentation: Land may be divided into smaller, uneconomical units among multiple heirs.
- Lack of choice: The inherited land may not be the most suitable for the farmer’s desired agricultural activities.
- Legal processes: Transfer of ownership through inheritance can be lengthy and complex.
- Buying:
- Definition: Buying involves purchasing land outright, becoming the legal owner.
- Advantages:
- Long-term security: Ownership provides security and allows for longterm planning and investment.
- Freedom to make improvements: Owners have the autonomy to develop the land as they see fit.
- Asset accumulation: Land ownership can be a valuable asset that appreciates over time.
- Collateral: Owned land can be used as collateral for loans.
