INTENSIVE FARMING Meaning and
Definition
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Intensive farming is a modern agricultural practice characterized by the maximization of production and efficiency on a limited amount of land. It involves the use of various techniques, technologies, and management practices to increase productivity and yield per unit area.
In intensive farming, farmers aim to produce a larger quantity of crops or livestock by employing methods such as selective breeding, genetic modification, and the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and antibiotics. These methods help optimize resource utilization and decrease crop or livestock losses due to pests, diseases, or environmental factors. Additionally, modern machinery and automation are often employed to streamline and accelerate farming processes.
This type of farming usually requires substantial capital investment and extensive use of external inputs to achieve higher yields. Land productivity is intensified through tightly controlled conditions, including temperature, light, humidity, and irrigation. The practice often involves the cultivation of high-value crops, such as fruits and vegetables, or the production of livestock in confined spaces.
Despite its ability to generate increased output from limited land resources, intensive farming has faced criticism for its potential negative impacts on the environment and animal welfare. Concerns include soil degradation, excessive water use, chemical pollution, and the ethical implications of factory farming. As such, sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices within intensive farming, such as organic and precision farming, have gained traction as alternatives to minimize these negative externalities.
Etymology of INTENSIVE FARMING
The word "intensive" originates from the Latin word "intensivus", which means "stretching tightly" or "straining". It is derived from the verb "intendere", which means "to stretch" or "to aim".
The term "farming" comes from the Old English word "fermian", meaning "cultivate" or "work the land". It is related to the Old High German word "fiorman", which means "prepare the ground for cultivation".
When combined, the term "intensive farming" refers to a method of agriculture characterized by the intensive use of resources and labor to maximize production, often involving high-input techniques such as the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation systems. The term emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the increasing demand for food production to meet the needs of a growing population.
