Food resources

Food resources

1. Food Resources By :- Dr. J . B . Kathiriya

2. FoodResources Food refers to anything eaten by man which gives energy and which is able to meet physiological needs for growth of human body Today our food comes almost entirely from agriculture, animal husbandry and fishing. Although India is self-sufficient in food production, it is only because of modern patterns of agriculture that are unsustainable and which pollute our environment with excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides. Importance of food Food is a source of energy for man. It is used for maintaining all body processes and activities. for physical and mental development for protection and regulation of body needs.

3. Sources of food Princeton societies obtained food mainly through gathering and hunting. Modern societies obtain food through cultivation through agriculture Domestication of animals Fishing World food supply Ancient period : Through gathering and hunting. Agricultural Revolution : with the application of science and technology world food supply increased remarkably.

4. Food security It is the ability of all people at all times to access enough food for an active and healthy life. It is estimated that 18 million people worldwide, most of whom are children, die each year due to starvation or malnutrition, and many others suffer a variety of dietary deficiencies. The earth can only supply a limited amount of food. If the world’s carrying capacity to produce food cannot meet the needs of a growing population then it will create problems . Thus food security is closely linked with population control through the family welfare program. It is also linked to the availability of water for farming. Food security is only possible if food is equitably distributed to all. Many of us waste a large amount of food carelessly. This eventually places great stress on our environmental resources.

5. World food supply It includes the adoption of Mixed farming Good irrigation facilities Control of soil erosion Quality seeds Use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides Good agricultural implements Availability of storage and market facilities Green Revolution : Resulted in remarkable increase in food production which made a country self sufficient. The quality of food also improved.

6. World food Problems Large Population - Inspite of green revolution it could not meet the needs of growing population. agricultural land got loot due urbanization. Energy : Farmers cannot afford fertilizers and pesticides. Land, weather and climate : Agriculture is a gamble on climatic conditions Absence of food security which depends on food availability purchasing power

7. Food Problems in India The principle causes of food-shortage in India Want of improved methods of cultivation through science and technology Poverty and lack of purchasing power Tillers are not in feasts Excessive growth of population Lack of cold storage facility Wastage of food for ignorance of preserving method Wastage of food in wrong process of cooking

8. How to solve the food problem of India Introduction of improved method of cultivation based on science and technology Improvement of financial and educational status of Indian cultivators Balancing the demand with supply Checking population growth Increasing production of food grains Protection of food from rats, insecticides etc. Judicious distribution of available supplies Proper public distribution Proper transport facilities

9. Over Grazing Live stock is an important source food in many countries including India meat and milk are obtained from live stock. Hence live stock less to be fed on grazing lands. Adverse effects of over grazing : Over Grazing Removes the Vegetation cover of the soil . Plant population regeneration capacity is lost Exposes the soil Exposive leading to less production Leads to soil erosion Leads to water infiltration capacity of soil

10. Over Grazing Live stock is an important source food in many countries including India meat and milk are obtained from live stock. Hence live stock less to be fed on grazing lands. Adverse effects of over grazing : Over Grazing Removes the Vegetation cover of the soil . Plant population regeneration capacity is lost Exposes the soil Exposive leading to less production Leads to soil erosion Leads to water infiltration capacity of soil

11. Effects of Modern agriculture Modern agriculture refers to carrying on agriculture with the intensive use of irrigation facilities, chemical fertilizers, high yielding varieties of quality seeds, pesticides and insecticides modern form machinery with a view to obtain higher agricultural productivity and production. It’s also called as green revolution. Benefits of modern agriculture: Contributed to high yields of agricultural crops. Created awareness, interest among farmers for implementation of better techniques. Improved income for the farmers. Rasied the standard of living of farmers. Increased employment opportunities. Increased the economy of a country.

12. Adverse impact of Modern agriculture 1. Fertilizer related problems. Excessive usage of chemical fertilizers lead to a micro nutrient imbalance in the soil resulting in low production. Nitrogen and phosphorus used in agricultural fields is washed off and released to the neighbouring water bodies which causes eutrophication 2. Pesticide related problem. Excessive usage of pesticides killed not only the targeted pests and – insects but also non targeted species which are useful for agricultural crops and ecosystem Affected the quality of food crops resulting in adverse human health.

13. Adverse impact of Modern agriculture 3. Water Logging excess water gets accumulated in the fields due to inadequate drainage facilities It is because of over irrigation of agricultural fields by farmers. Mechanical strength of water logged soil is reduced. 4. Salinity Use of saline water for irrigation Presence of excess salt in the soil Reduced crop production 5. Genetic diversity of Agricultural crops