Agriculture and farming are related but distinct concepts, with agriculture being a broader subject area that encompasses farming. The word agriculture originates from the Latin words Agri (field) and cultura (cultivation) and can be divided into farming and husbandry. Agriculture produces food, raw materials, fiber, and fuel and has evolved significantly through history, with the green revolution in the 20th century being a major turning point. Modern agriculture takes into account environmental impacts and the sustainability of farming practices. In contrast, farming is derived from the Latin noun firma (fixed agreement or contract) and specifically refers to the implementation of agricultural practices. Farming can be small-scale, such as subsistence farming, or large-scale, like intensive farming with mechanized equipment. There are various types of farming, including collective farming, factory farming, intensive farming, protected culture farming, and organic farming.
Key Takeaways
- Agriculture is a broader subject area that includes farming and husbandry, while farming specifically refers to the implementation of agricultural practices.
- Modern agriculture considers environmental impacts and the sustainability of farming, whereas farming can involve various systems, such as mono-cropping or mixed cropping, depending on the type of farming.
- There are several types of farming, including collective farming, factory farming, intensive farming, protected culture farming, and organic farming.