Biology - Food Production (Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Organic Farming)

Agriculture is the practice of cultivating plants and rearing animals for food, fiber, and other products. Crops are classified into $Kharif$ (sown in June/July, e.g., Paddy) and $Rabi$ (sown in October/November, e.g., Wheat).

Soil preparation involves ploughing (loosening soil) and levelling. Soil fertility is maintained using Manure (organic) and Fertilizers (chemical inorganic salts containing $N$, $P$, and $K$).

Nitrogen Fixation is the process where atmospheric $N_2$ is converted into nitrogenous compounds like nitrates ($NO_3^-$) by bacteria such as $Rhizobium$ found in the root nodules of leguminous plants.

Irrigation methods include traditional methods and modern techniques like Drip irrigation and Sprinkler systems to conserve $H_2O$.

Animal Husbandry includes the breeding, feeding, and weeding of livestock. Major branches include Apiculture (honey bees), Sericulture (silkworms), Pisciculture (fish), and Poultry (birds).

Organic Farming is a technique that avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides ($DDT$, etc.) and focuses on the use of $Bio$-$fertilizers$, crop rotation, and green manure.

The Green Revolution in India led to a massive increase in food grain production due to the use of High Yielding Variety ($HYV$) seeds and modern irrigation.