Agricultural Products

Agricultural Products & their Impact on the Economy
 

Agricultural products contain products driven or used up directly in the agriculture sector. It includes crops, vegetables, fruits, and many raw materials. The agro-raw material derived is used for secondary industries for the production of food, beverages, textiles, and biofuels. Other products included are fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, machinery, and equipment. 

Categories of agricultural products

Food Crop: Crops included grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, fiber crops, nuts and seeds, and oil crops.  

Livestock: Livestock includes meat, dairy, and eggs. 

Agricultural fisheries: Fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants

Forestry product: Timber and Non-timber

Horticultural products: Flowers and ornamental plants

Impact of agricultural products on the economy 

The cultivation of food crops also supports economies, especially in developing countries, by providing livelihoods for millions of farmers and contributing to national GDP through both domestic sales and international trade. Sustainable farming practices are increasingly important to ensure that food crop production can meet the demands of a growing global population while minimizing environmental impacts and preserving natural resources for future generations.

Problems in the production of agricultural products

• Agriculture faces many challenges like unpredictable weather conditions, extreme weather events, and shifting growing seasons.
• Extreme weather conditions limited the availability of water for irrigation due to overuse or sometimes with harsh hot weather conditions.
• Soil loses its fertility and structure from intensive farming, deforestation, and improper use of chemicals
• Sometimes outbreaks of pests and diseases increased due to monoculture practices and global trade.

• Sudden fluctuation in market prices, limited access to credit, and inadequate infrastructure.
• Developing countries have limited access to advanced technical machinery for better yield of production.
• Farmers face trade barriers and inconsistent agricultural policies which limit the value of market access for agricultural products. 
• The use of pesticides and fertilizers affects the environment and human health.

Market trends to influence agricultural products

Weather conditions, pests, and disease outbreaks generate fluctuation in supply. It impacts the market price, due to changes in global and domestic demand.  Weather pattern affects the quality of crops, it makes the price fluctuate in the market. The use of technically advanced solutions and machinery increases productivity and efficiency. The better solution provides the best quality produce from the soil. Subsidies, tariffs, trade agreements, and regulations affect production costs, market access, and competitiveness. Shifts towards organic, locally sourced, or sustainably produced products influence market demand and pricing. International trade agreements, tariffs, and geopolitical factors impact the volume of export imports, prices, and market competitiveness. Efficient transportation, storage facilities, and distribution networks are important for maintaining the quality of products and market access.

Sustainability in Agricultural Practices

• The rotation of crops and diverse plantation techniques helps to maintain soil fertility and improves the overall farming structure. Different crops maintain the soil nutrients and reduce the requirement for chemical fertilizers. 
• Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic chemicals, focusing on natural processes and inputs. The organic method of farming supports biodiversity, improves the health of farm soil, and reduces pollution.
• Sustainable water management practices, including drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting methods, and efficient water use, play an important factor in areas facing scarcity of water. These practices enhance water conservation and improve crop yields.
• Maintaining healthy soil through the use of green manures, composting, and reduced chemical inputs improves soil structure, fertility, and microbial activity.