THE IMPORTANT OF ONIONS (Part 2)

ONIONS (Allium cepa Linn) are packed with vibrant flavor, onions are a staple food throughout the world. It is a close relative of other Allium family members such as garlic, leeks, and shallots. Onions are not grown commercially in Malaysia. Malaysia are net importer of fresh onions. It is grown for its edible bulb, which most often serves to flavor a variety of foods. This plant originates from central Asia, but it can be found around the world today. Cultivation of onion started 7000 years ago and resulted in creation of numerous varieties of onions that differ in size, shape, color and taste. The amazing onion offers layers of flavor, color, and texture to a wide variety of dishes and cuisines. It has also been used in traditional medicines since ancient times for its health promoting and curative properties. Bombay Onion, Brown Onion, Bulb Onion, Common Onion, Onion is some of the popular common names of Onion. Onions are categorized as being either green or dry onions. Snow White Hybrid Onion, White Granex Onion, Bianca Onion, Gladalan White Onion, White Spanish Onion, Mild Onions, Candy Hybrid Onion, Walla Walla Sweet Onion, Granex Yellow Hybrid Onion, Texas Super sweet Onion, Sweet and Early Hybrid Onion, Yellow Ebenezer Onion, Savannah Sweet Onion, Sweet Spanish Hybrid Onion, Texas Grano Onion, Giant Red Hamburger Onion, Salad Red Onion are some of the popular varieties of Onion which is grown throughout the world. The blog "Anim Agriculture Technology" write about the important of onions.

Onions have been used by humans since the Neolithic age, and they are still being used all over the world. Over this long period, there have always been people who have appreciated the use of onions and used them in consider able quantities, but there have also been those who have rejected and detested them (Koch and Lawson, 1996). Onions have been cultivated globally, in at least 175 countries, for around 5000 years. Ancient Egyptians regarded the spherical bulb as a symbol of the universe. The name is probably is taken from the Latin 'unus' meaning 'one', and the Romans introduced the onion to Britain, from where it may have been carried to the Americas. The first known written report about the onion comes from the Sumerians and dates back to 2600–2100 BC. In the Papyrus Ebers, which is based on ancient Egyptian writings and knowledge, we discover that leek played an important role in the kingdom of old Egypt. The great physician Hippocrates suggested onion as a diuretic, laxative, and emmenagogue. He also used onion for the treatment of pneumonia, and, externally, for healing putrid wounds.

The nutritional value for onion from their delightful tastes onion is a good source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Consuming 160 gram of raw onion offers 0.192 mg of Vitamin B6, 11.8 mg of Vitamin C, 14.94 g of Carbohydrate, 0.206 mg of Manganese, 30 µg of Vitamin B9 and 2.7 g of Total dietary Fiber. Moreover, many Amino acids like 0.022 g of Tryptophan, 0.034 g of Threonine, 0.022 g of Isoleucine, 0.04 g of Leucine, 0.062 g of Lysine and 0.003 g of Methionine are also found in 160 grams of raw onion. Onion consists of the majority of the nutrition which is needed by the entire body. The water content in onion is nearly 80%. The nutrients present in onions are carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Minerals just like phosphorous, zinc and potassium can be found in onions too. Onion also includes calcium and also vitamins. Following are amongst the advantages of onions. It is good for cancer prevention. Cancer is normally characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. It is one of the world’s leading causes of death. Several research have connected increased consumption of onions to reduced risk of several types of cancers, such as stomach-, breast-, colon- and prostate cancers. 

Onion are good in treatment of Anemia.  Anemia is a disorder marked by a shortage of red blood cells or of hemoglobin in the blood, resulting in pallor and weariness. Anemic conditions can be cured by eating onions along with jaggery and water, because this adds to the mineral content of the body, especially iron, which is a crucial part of producing new red blood cells. Therefore, anemia, also known as iron deficiency, can be prevented by having a health amount of onions in your diet. It alsoo good Oral Health. Onions are often used to avoid tooth decay and oral infections. Chewing raw onions for 2 to 3 minutes can potentially kill all the germs present in the oral area and surrounding places like the throat and lips. Onion is found beneficial for earache too. A few drops of onion juice may actually prove hugely beneficial to individuals suffering from acute earache. The ringing sound in the ear may be cured by applying onion juice through a piece of cotton wool. It also treating Urinary Disorders. Onion can offer considerable relief for those suffering from a burning sensation during urination. People suffering from this condition should drink water boiled with 6 to 7 grams of onions. This article divided in 4 segments namely Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 respectively. Thanks for reading.

By,
M Anim,
Putrajaya,
Malaysia.
Created: August 2020.

Updated: May 2023

Posted...

THE IMPORTANT OF ONIONS (Part 1)

ONIONS (Allium cepa Linn) are packed with vibrant flavor, onions are a staple food throughout the world. It is a close relative of other Allium family members such as garlic, leeks, and shallots. Onions are not grown commercially in Malaysia. Malaysia are net importer of fresh onions. It is grown for its edible bulb, which most often serves to flavor a variety of foods. This plant originates from central Asia, but it can be found around the world today. Cultivation of onion started 7000 years ago and resulted in creation of numerous varieties of onions that differ in size, shape, color and taste. The amazing onion offers layers of flavor, color, and texture to a wide variety of dishes and cuisines. It has also been used in traditional medicines since ancient times for its health promoting and curative properties. Bombay Onion, Brown Onion, Bulb Onion, Common Onion, Onion are some of the popular common names of Onion. Onions are categorized as being either green or dry onions. Snow White Hybrid Onion, White Granex Onion, Bianca Onion, Gladalan White Onion, White Spanish Onion, Mild Onions, Candy Hybrid Onion, Walla Walla Sweet Onion, Granex Yellow Hybrid Onion, Texas Super sweet Onion, Sweet and Early Hybrid Onion, Yellow Ebenezer Onion, Savannah Sweet Onion, Sweet Spanish Hybrid Onion, Texas Grano Onion, Giant Red Hamburger Onion, Salad Red Onion are some of the popular varieties of Onion which is grown throughout the world. The blog "Anim Agriculture Technology" I would like to write about the important of onions.

Onion has been valued as a food and a medicinal plant since ancient times. It is widely cultivated, second only to tomato, and is a vegetable bulb crop known to most cultures and consumed worldwide. It is a short duration horticultural crop grown at low latitudes. It is commonly known as “Queen of the kitchen,” due to its highly valued flavor, aroma, and unique taste, and the medicinal properties of its flavor compounds. Onion is used throughout the year, for example in curries, in the form of spices, in salads, as a condiment, or cooked with other vegetables, such as boiled or baked. It is also used in different forms of processed food, e.g. pickles, powder, paste, and flakes, and it is known for its medicinal values.

Onion is a biennial 15 - 45 cm (6 to 18 in) tall vegetable which is found growing in cool environment. They require a fertile, well-draining soil such as clay or silt loams with a pH of 5.5 - 6.5. The plants do not do well in acidic soils. Onions should be set out in full sun for optimum bulb development. Onions are biennial vegetables and if they are left in the ground for a second year, they will produce flowers and set seed. It has adventitious, fibrous roots. The stem of the plant is a flattened disc at the base and the tubular leaves form a pseudo-stem where their sheaths overlap. Leaves are yellowish-green and grow alternately in a flattened, fan-shaped swathe. They are fleshy, hollow, and cylindrical, with one flattened side and there are 3 - 8 per plant. Plant produces pink or white flowers clustered on stalks. The bulbs are formed just above the flattened stem of the plant by overlapping leaves. The bulb is made up of several layers, each corresponding to a leaf. They are generally oval but shape can be variable and occur in clusters of 3 -18 to a plant. The bulb is protected by a membrane which turns to a papery coat. Seeds are glossy black and triangular in cross section.

Onion (Allium cepa) for me as a writer is an herbaceous biennial in the family Liliaceae grown for its edible bulb. The bulb is an edible vegetable and is the most commonly used part of the onion, usually consumed after cooking although it can be eaten fresh. The stems and leaves are also edible. Onions are categorized as being either green or dry onions. Green onions are small onions that are harvested before the bulb has matured and the tops are still green. Dry onions, also known as mature onions, are harvested when their shoot has died and layers of papery thin skin cover a firm juicy flesh. Mature bulb of the onion is depressed globose, ovoid or elongate shaped, varying in size from cultivar to cultivar, 5-8 × 3-10 cm. Color of bulb is normally yellowish brown, orangey brown, purplish, red, greyish white or white forming the protective coat. It has sharp, pungent smell and freshly cut onions often cause a stinging sensation in the eyes of people nearby, and often uncontrollable tears. This is caused by the release of a volatile gas, syn-propanethial-S-oxide, which encourages nerves in the eye creating a stinging feeling. This gas is produced by a chain of reactions which serve as a defense mechanism: cutting onion causes damage to cells which discharges enzymes called alliinases. These break down amino acid sulfoxides and produce sulfenic acids. A specific sulfenic acid, 1-propenesulfenic acid, is rapidly acted on by a second enzyme, the lacrimatory factor synthase (LFS), producing the syn-propanethial-S-oxide. This gas diffuses through the air and soon reaches the eyes, where it activates sensory neurons. Tear glands produce tears to dilute and flush out the irritant. This article divided in 4 segments namely Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 respectively. Thanks for reading.

By,
M Anem Hosnan,
Putrajaya,
Malaysia.
Created: August 2020.

Updated: May 2023.

'LUCRATIVE' KETUM EXPORT FROM KEDAH

A report from Kedah stated that ketum (Mitragyna speciosa) export could be a lucrative industry as said by says Kedah Menteri Besar from Alor Setar, Kedah as reported by NST. The photo showing a ketum farm in Padang Terap.  The federal government will stand to benefit from legalising ketum export by imposing export duty on the plant due to high demand from a neighbouring country. Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said ketum export could be developed into a lucrative industry. "There is high demand in Thailand for ketum from Kedah, which can fetch to as high as RM150 per kg as compared to just RM30 per kg in the local market here. "Thailand has technology to extract ketum into various health products and ketum planted in Kedah is of high grade as compared to the ketum planted in the neighbouring country. He mention that by legalising its export, ketum can be developed into a lucrative industry in Kedah as he told a press conference after chairing the weekly state executive council meeting here today. Sanusi said Kedah was prepared to become a legal hub for ketum commodity. "The state government is ready to appoint any state agency either Kedah Agro, Perbadanan Kemajuan Pertanian Negeri Kedah (PKNK) and Kumpulan Ladang-Ladang Perbadanan Kedah Sdn Bhd (KLPK) to act as an agent to collect all the ketum crop and become the legal sole exporter. The government can collect duty from the trade," he said. While acknowledging that his proposal would stir up controversies, Sanusi stressed that the move would also spare the government resources in combatting the illegal export of ketum to Thailand. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor today brushed off perception that ‘ikan puyu’ fishing activity was an indicator for serious poverty in the state.  He  wish to make it very clear that I am not high on ketum when I am saying this. I have been informed that our law enforcement agencies have been working hard to combat the illegal export of ketum and I have high respect on them. Kedah government are spending a lot of resources to combat ketum smuggling (to neighbouring country) but I am asking: what if we legalise the activity and the government benefits from it by imposing export duty?. He was informed by law enforcement agencies such as the police, Customs Department and the army that they were working hard to combat ketum smuggling at our border and Langkawi waters because it is banned from export under the Poison Act; but at the same time it is not illegal to plant ketum. He hope the law enforcement will discuss this proposal and if it has to be presented to Parliament, then we should do that. If it just involves administrative matters, we can do that any time. However said there should be proper regulations before allowing the export of ketum. He hope the federal government will pay serious attention to the proposal and view it in a good faith. Ketum is planted extensively in Kedah, so it is better if we allow its export. We have ketum trees, we can plant them, but we can't process them although ketum has medical value but he don't condone the abuse of ketum by mixing it with banned substances. Thanks. Source: NST

By,

M Anem,
putrajaya,
Malaysia.

(Mac 2023).

HYDROPONIC - ALL ABOUT IT

HYDROPONICS is a method of growing plants in a soil-free media, fed with a mixture of nutrient and water. Instead of soil, an inert, sterile growing media is used, and combined with nutrient enriched water, plants are provided with the exact minerals and nutrients they require. When somebody tell other people that we grow he produce using hydroponics, many will usually get something close to this response: It sounds cool…sounds like it has something to do with health food maybe? What even is it?”. For all the hydro-curious folks out there that they have put together a primer on the basics of hydroponic farming. May be a good suggestion is that you start here to learn the essentials of hydroponics, and if you’re inspired to try growing some hydroponic plants of your own, to see what kind of system would work best for anybody. So What is the story about  Hydroponics?. Hydroponics is a way to skip the soil, sub in a different material to support the roots of the plant, and grow crops directly in nutrient-rich water. There are multiple approaches to designing hydroponic systems, but the core elements are essentially the same. This blog in "Anim Agriculture Technology'' simply write about hydroponic for all interested readers.

Hydroponic requirement are Fresh water  especially a filtered stuff with a balanced pH. Most plants like water with a pH level around 6–6.5. You can adjust the acidity of your water with over-the-counter solutions found at your local hardware, garden, or hydroponic store. Oxygen are important for plant to grow. So don’t drown your plants because for  a traditional farming, roots can get the oxygen needed for respiration from pockets of air in the soil. Depending on your hydroponic setup, you will either need to leave space between the base of your plant and the water reservoir, or you’ll need oxygenate your container (think of bubbles in a fish tank) in which you can accomplish by buying an air stone or installing an air pump. Root Support is important even though you don’t need soil but your plant’s roots still need a little something to hold on to. Typical materials include vermiculite, perlite, peat moss, coconut fiber and rockwool (See photo above). Stay away from materials that might compact (like sand) or that don’t retain any moisture (like gravel). Nutrients important for the plant is going to need plenty of magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and other nutrients to stay healthy and productive  just like plants growing in the ground need healthy soil and fertilizer. When you’re growing plants without soil, this “plant food” must be included in the water that’s feeding your plants. While you can technically make your own nutrient solution, it’s easy to buy mixtures online and in stores. Hydroponics needs  Light because if you’re growing your plants indoors, you might have to invest in some special lighting. Each kind of plant will have a different requirement for the amount of light it needs and for the placement of lights (typically referred to as Daily Light Integral or DLI).

While there are other elements to consider as you increase the sophistication of your hydroponic farm (for instance, things like CO2 supplementation), the five listed above are the most foundational elements of any hydroponic system. Ability to monitor and adjust these key variables, you can begin to discover precisely what your plants need to thrive, and replicate those conditions for every grow in the future. In the basic question of why Grow Without Soil?. This seemingly subtle shift in how we make food (skipping the soil, that is) is actually revolutionary it allows growers to produce food anywhere in the world, at any time of the year, and to net higher yields with fewer resources. Due to climate change, growing seasons and regions are in major flux right now as temperatures change and growing conditions change along with them. Even in “normal” conditions, there are plenty of places where the ground just isn’t conducive for farming (like deserts, concrete jungles). Right now, most of the vegetables you come across in a store have been shipped in from afar, and have lost nutritional value along the way. By using hydroponics, we can create hyper-local food systems and we are. The container farms are set up right in the communities and regions that we serve. It’s even possible to put a farm directly behind restaurants that want ultra-fresh produce! And when you’re growing hydroponically, you don’t have to hit pause for a season or risk crop loss from inclement weather.

Is that true hydroponic system able to produce higher yields?. Plants grown in well-managed hydroponic systems are living the good life. Since roots are bathed in all the nutrients they need, plants spend more time growing upward and less time and energy growing extensive root systems to search for food. Growth rates vary based on the type of system and quality of care, but hydro plants can mature up to 25 percent more quickly than the same plants grown in soil in or with increased crop yield, to boot. Anybody didn’t see this coming: hydroponic systems actually use less water than traditional soil-based systems. This is because closed systems aren’t subject to the same rates of evaporation. Plus, the water used in hydroponic systems can be filtered, re-populated with nutrients, and fed back to plants again so that water is constantly being recycled instead of wasted. At Vertical Roots, the systems use up to 98 percent less water than traditional soil-based systems. Other “resources” indoor hydroponic plants don’t need? Pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals, since the hydro crops are protected from many of the pests and plant diseases found outdoors in soil-based farms. It was an easy troubleshooting where by how many times have you walked out to your garden and seen one of your plants thriving while its next-door-neighbor is drooping? In that situation. With a hydroponic system many know exactly what conditions your plants are being grown in. As such many can easily isolate variables and experiment and once anybody find the perfect formula of light, pH balance, and nutrients, you can replicate success. Thanks.

By,

M Anim,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

December 2020.

Updated and posted on May 2023.

TRAFFIC LIGHT TRADERS - A NEW APROACH

THE NEW APPROACH when driving approaching traffic light and stop then few traders selling fruit and drinks. Recently in Kuantan each time the traffic light at the Indera Mahkota at Kuantan, Pahang intersection here turns red and vehicles begin to slow down to stop, two boys carrying bottles containing sliced mangoes would be spotted manoeuvring through the traffic with their wares. There also traffic light at Sepang to KLIA, at Bandar Maharani in Muar, at junction at Air keroh Melaka and many others. Clad in yellow long sleeve t-shirts, gloves, apron, cap and mouth covers, the duo will begin their walk against the traffic flow holding a poster written "Mangga Asam Boi" promoting their products in their right hand and carrying the mangoes in their left hand. The street hawkers both aged 19 only have a few minutes to "coax" motorists to lower their vehicle windscreen to buy the mangoes before the traffic light turns green. On each occasion when commuters buy the fruits, they greet the customers by saying "Terima kasih, selamat memandu (thank you, drive safely)" as they hand over the plastic bottle and continue their walk. Blog "Anim Agriculture Technology" share a report bya NST regarding the 'traffic light traders' literally going the extra mile for sales as a new approach in Malaysia in which they selling agriculture produce.

This has been a daily routine for two friends known as Mohamad Zafrie and Syamir Sabri who are among dozens of peddlers selling bottled mango pickles at traffic light signals in the state-capital. They earn a commission of RM1.50 for each bottle sold and can bring home between RM75 - RM150 daily depending on the weather, and traffic volume. As Zafrie takes a quick break by the road side, he tells the New Straits Times that he has been doing this for more than a year and earned enough to buy himself a new motorcycle a few months ago.  The eldest of two, Zafrie said he only attended a tahfiz school in Balok and did not sit for his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination so it was tough to find a proper job or further his studies and at the moment he have no plans to further his studies or maybe later. He want to work and save enough money before deciding on my next step either work elsewhere or open my own business. The street hawkers both aged 19 only have a few minutes to "coax" motorists to lower their vehicle windscreen to buy the mangoes before the traffic light turns green.  The job is tiring especially in the hot weather but I am already used to it. It requires me to walk and the further I walk, it is an opportunity to earn more. Walking about 10 kilometres in a day is quite normal and I do not feel it. Perhaps it is due to the moving traffic and the people I meet and he adding the real challenge was to sell as many bottles as possible before the light turned green. Zafrie said they operated as a team as some of his friends would be involved in processing and packing the mangoes before the peddlers collect to sell at traffic light junctions.

He work between 11am and 4pm daily, and can sell an average about 60 bottles a day. On each trip, he only bring about 15 bottles to sell to customers while the supplies will be kept in a cooler box. There are various types of customers as some will immediately buy the pickles while some will ask when it was processed and some will give various advice including asking me to improve myself or equip myself with skills. Some even asked if I needed another job and sometimes people buy more than what they need as they take pity on us for being out on our feet for long hours under the hot sun. For Syamir from Balok, Kuantan he said the increase in vehicles during lunch hour, after working hours and during weekends would allow him to make more sales. He also said getting customers was not easy and would require a lot of patience. Sometimes you can sell about 10 bottles by walking less than 100m but there are occasions I have to walk about 300m before making a sale. He have no problems walking in the hot sun but when it rains heavily then I have to wait at the bus stop and suffer a drop in sales. Previously, the peddlers only consist of (male) youths but lately there are some girls and adults trying their luck. He was told some lost their jobs due to the pandemic while others wanted to earn extra income," he said, adding his venture began about a year ago after he spotted an advertisement on Facebook hiring vendors to sell the mangoes. Clad in yellow long sleeve t-shirts, gloves, apron, cap and mouth covers, the duo will begin their walk against the traffic flow holding a poster written "Mangga Asam Boi" promoting their products in their right hand and carrying the mangoes in their left hand. Rogayah Mohamad aged 20, said peddlers would normally operate at traffic lights at major intersections as the waiting time would be longer, allowing them to walk quite a distance. "We do not disturb or pester anyone to buy the (mango) pickles. We will carry the fruits and walk among the vehicles, and when a customer lowers their windscreen or signals to us, then we will walk towards them. "During these challenging times, everyone is trying to earn a living and at some areas, the vendors are even fresh graduates who cannot secure proper jobs. "Other than the usual mango pickles, these days some even sell cheesecakes and chocolate brownies at the traffic lights," she said. Street hawkers could be spotted at major traffic light junctions here including in Permatang Badak and Taman Tas during the day offering the pickled fruits in bottles which are sold at RM10 each. The recipe which includes green mangoes with sour plum sprinkled with chili and salt has proven to be a craze among youngsters and the elderly. Thanks.

Source: NST

By,

M Anem,

Kuantan, Pahang,

Malaysia.

(December 2020)

Updated May 2023.

GORWING KANGKONG IN CONTAINERS

KANGKONG (Impomea spp) is the only vegetable that I really enjoyed eating ever since Iong ago when was a child in Johore, Malaysia. Most kampong people used this leafy vegetable as become a mainstay in my weekly grocery list. The plant grows anywhere in Malaysia especially in swampy areas (so called Aquatic Kangkong - Impomea auitica) or groen on the beds as Land Kangkong (Impomea reptans) which makes me often wonder where they get those kangkong leaves that many consumers buy in the grocery. Kangkong are the easiest and cheapest leafy vegetable in the market in Malaysia and delicious.  Therefore, many decided to grow their own kangkong at home either on the beds or in the container or hydroponic system. It was a fast harvesting vegetables with low cost to grow and easy to manage. Not to worry about how to grow at home with some limited area needed. For me that kangkong is also known by other names such as water spinach, swamp cabbage or Chinese watercress. It is very common in Southeast Asian cuisine because kangkong thrives well in the hot and humid tropical climates. The way to grow kangkong us by seeds and stem cutting. Propagate kangkong easily from seeds or through stem cuttings. By sowing the seeds in a seed tray or directly into a medium sized container pot. Make sure to allow a minimum of 3- inches of distance in between the seeds. They germinate quite easily in a matter of days. In a few more days, transfer the seedlings to a sunny spot outside. 

Kangkong can also be propagated from cuttings. Choose a healthy bundle of kangkong leaves when you buy at the market. Use the leaves for cooking but leave the top 6-inch portion, up to the 4th leaf node. Soak the lower end of the cuttings in water for a week, and change the water every couple of days. Transplant the cuttings to the ground or a container filled with rich loamy soil, as soon as the roots appear. By using a container to grow kangkong better to use a rich loamy soil mixed with compost. Choose a container with at least 12 inches in depth and diameter. The plant can grow well in partial or full sun, but at least 4 hours of sunlight is ideal for it to grow more leaves. Keep the soil moist by practicing regular watering. Water deeply to ensure the deepest roots are reached. Daily watering is needed during the hot and dry summer months. With enough sunlight from my obervation the leaves can be harvested in as early as 60 days from sowing. To harvest by cutting the top leaves leaving up to 2 leaf nodes from the roots. New stems will grow from these leaf nodes in just a few days. In about 2-3 weeks then the new stems will be ready for another round harvest. When grown in containers, the soil nutrients get depleted easily. Fertilize with compost or organic fertilizers every 3 months to ensure a continuous healthy growth of new stems and leaves. This also gives the plants stronger resistance to common diseases and pests.  Kangkong is prone to common pests, like the stink bugs, locusts and and spider mites. To address this, spray an organic pest solution at least once a month. Make sure to spray the solution before dawn or after dusk, in order not to scorch the leaves from the sun exposure. Thanks...

By,

M Anem,

Agriculturist Expert,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(April 2023).

SELAMAT HARII RAYA 2-23!!!..

TALKS ABOUT AGRICULTURE (PART 5)

 

AGRICULTURE is is very important sector in the world to supply food for inhabitants, Agriculture the art and science of cultivating the soil, growing crops and raising livestock. It includes the preparation of plant and animal products for people to use and their distribution to markets. Agriculture provides most of the world’s food and fabrics. Cotton, wool, palm oil, fish, meat and many others are all agricultural products. Agriculture also provides wood for construction and paper products also produce more food chain and industrial product. These products, as well as the agricultural methods used, may vary from one part of the world to another. For me the start of agriculture over centuries with the growth of agriculture contributed to the rise of the civilizations. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology'' we share about the agriculture and their important. 

Animals from alpacas in Peru to zebus in India and also billons of domesticated animals around the world are raised and cared for in a variety of ways. In many countries, domesticated animals are an important source of food. A report from Nigeria for example the local Fulani people have long been nomads. They move with their cattle herds from one grazing area to another. The cattle feed on scrub and grasses in land unsuitable for farming. The Fulani rely on cattle for milk, but rarely slaughter their animals for meat. However throughout the USA the beef cattle are bred to grow quickly and yield large quantities of fatty meat. When they are five to 12 months old, the animals are shipped to feedlots. There, they are kept in pens and fed grain and vitamin supplements until they reach market size. Then they are slaughtered. The two ways of raising livestock are confronting each other in the developing world. In Uganda, Ankole cattle have been bred to withstand the harsh climate of Central Africa their long, curved horns help distribute heat and their digestive systems have adapted to poor nutrition and little water. However, the market for milk has driven many Ugandan farmers to import Holstein cattle. Holsteins are native to Northern Europe. Keeping them healthy in an equatorial region requires a high amount of an antibiotics, vaccines, and other chemicals. The Ankole in which produce little milk and leaner meat, may be extinct within the century. Many farmers throughout the world practice free-range poultry farming. The birds forage for food in farms or community yards, eating whatever they find: seeds, insects, household scraps, and surplus grain. In many developed countries, poultry production has become a major agricultural industry. Birds are given the same sort of vaccines and hormones used for cattle. Chickens are bred for either eggs or meat. One poultry house may contain more than a million birds. Often, machines automatically provide feed and water, collect the eggs, and remove waste.

In future for the fight Against Hunger the food production must keep pace with population growth and distribution methods. This is an enormous agricultural and political challenge. The challenge is not food shortages but unequal distribution of the world’s food supply. The ratio of population to farmable land has favored some countries more than others. Some experts believe government policies in developed and developing countries have hindered equal food distribution. Droughts, floods, and other disasters continue to cause local food shortages. Overpopulation also contributes to unequal distribution of food resources. Much of the population increase over the next 100 years will occur in developing countries, where hunger is already a serious problem.  Exporting food or agricultural technology from countries with surpluses to those with shortages will not solve the problem of world hunger. Poor countries do not have the money to buy all the food they need and do not want to permanently rely on other countries. Many developing countries also regard biodiversity as an important resource and do not want to threaten it with GMOs. Experts believe that the hunger problem will be solved in two ways. First, citizens of all countries need to have the ability to grow or purchase their own food. Second, citizens of all countries need to have responsible diets and spending habits. What about addressing the problem of overpopulation?. Agricultural science will help countries adjust to healthier methods of food production. Scientists are developing new high-yield varieties of crops that require fewer fertilizers or pesticides. Such crops reduce the need for using costly chemicals and trade. The challenges of feeding the hungry cannot be met unless the world’s land and water are safeguarded. Agricultural practices in developed and developing countries have led to a severe loss of valuable topsoil, water, and other resources. Many countries need better programs for replanting forests. Overpopulation has pushed a growing number of farmers onto lands too fragile to sustain cultivation. Demand for food has led to increased irrigation worldwide. In some areas, irrigation has caused water tables to drop, rivers to run dry, and wells to go empty. Agricultural chemicals that increase production often contaminate soil and groundwater and disrupt food chains.  Agriculture does not have to harm the environment. By protecting the land, water, and air, and by sharing knowledge and resources, people may yet find solutions for the problem of world hunger. Finally what I can say is that agriculture is the science and art of cultivating plants and livestock. Agriculture was the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled people to live in cities. The history of agriculture began thousands of years ago. This is the fifth article of 5 article regarding this topic from Part 1 to Part 5 respectively. Thanks.

By,
M Anim,
Putrajaya,
Malaysia.
(January 2021)
Updated recently on April 2023.