The Work

Farming, which is one of the oldest and most important activities of man, is still an area of important activity. Farming includes activities such as sowing, harvesting, marketing and other aspects of work in the fields. A farmer could either grow food crops such as grains and vegetables, cash crops such as cotton, tobacco and sugarcane, commercial crops for specialty plants and nurseries, or specialize in floriculture (cultivation of flowers) or pomology (cultivation of fruits).

RESEARCH

Essentially involves efforts to come up with new and better varieties of seeds and plants, which are
high yielding and have a greater resistance to pests and disease. Research could also be done on ways of improving soil conditions and other such aspects, which have a bearing on agriculture and also on development of agricultural by-products and new methods of processing, preservation and conservation.

ACADEMICS

It is related to research but mainly involves teaching in academic institutions dealing in agriculture and agricultural products.

AGRO INDUSTRY 

Includes industries that sell raw or processed farm products, and those that process farm products for further commercial use. These careers are covered in greater detail in the chapter on Food Processing. It also includes the production of machinery and equipment for use in farming; production and marketing of chemicals and fertilizers for farm use; and manufacture of fibre and forest products.