ِِAgricultural Sector
1- Introduction
1- Crop production.
2- Livestock production.
3- Fisheries production
1- Introduction
The agricultural sector is one of the vital sectors in the global economy, playing a fundamental role in meeting the food needs of populations, providing employment opportunities, and promoting economic development. It encompasses a wide range of activities related to the production of food and agricultural raw materials. The performance of this sector is influenced by multiple factors including weather conditions, technology, government policies, and changes in global demand for agricultural products. The agricultural sector includes the following resources and typically ends either in the manufacturing sector or the retail sector:
1- Crop production.
2- Livestock production.
3- Fisheries production.
1-Crop production
The plant production cycle typically involves a recurring process that follows the same steps:
1- Planning:
In this stage, the appropriate type of crop to be cultivated is determined based on factors such as weather, soil, and market demand.
The required quantities of seeds or seedlings are also determined and appropriately distributed on the land.
2- Land preparation:
This step involves preparing the land by removing weeds, clearing stones, and homogenizing the soil to improve its quality.
It may also include processes such as adding organic matter or fertilizers to enhance soil fertility.
3- Cultivation:
In this stage, seeds are planted or seedlings are placed in the ground using appropriate methods according to the agricultural specifications suitable for each type of crop.
Seeds or seedlings must be evenly distributed and placed at the proper depth to ensure good plant growth.
3- Irrigation:
Adequate water supply must be provided to meet the plants’ water needs during the growth period.
Different irrigation systems such as drip irrigation or sprinkler irrigation may be used depending on soil type and plant requirements.
4- Care and maintenance:
This stage includes crop care activities such as weed removal, pest and disease control, and providing necessary technical support to plants to achieve healthy growth.
5- Harvesting:
In this stage, crops are harvested when they are ready according to the appropriate specifications for each type of crop.
It is important to ensure the quality of the harvested crops and collect them carefully to preserve their quality and nutritional value.
6- Storage and distribution:
During this stage, crops are properly stored in suitable locations to maintain their quality and prevent spoilage.
Crops should also be efficiently distributed to markets or end consumers.
Direct sales in fresh form in retail stores, restaurants, or food processing for producing plant oils, textiles, food, as well as pharmaceuticals, fuels, and cosmetics.
2- Livestock production
Animal production is a recurring process that follows the following steps:
1-Planning and breed selection:
Initially, breeding operations are planned by selecting suitable breeds according to their needs and environmental conditions.
Breed selection depends on the purpose of breeding, whether it’s for obtaining high-quality meat, milk production, or other purposes.
2-Housing and feeding provision:
Suitable shelter is provided for livestock to protect them from harsh weather conditions and ensure their comfort.
Balanced and nutritious feed is also provided, including natural and artificial feed, along with clean and readily available water.
3-Healthcare:
Livestock breeding requires regular healthcare, including preventive vaccinations, disease treatment, and parasite control.
Healthcare also includes regular animal examinations to detect any potential health issues.
4-Breeding management:
This involves determining the appropriate time for mating, managing reproduction, and ensuring proper birthing.
Monitoring animal growth and providing necessary care during the growth period is also essential.
5-Feeding and watering:
Good and balanced nutrition is provided to livestock to ensure their health and productivity.
Clean and readily available sources of water for drinking and comfort must also be provided.
6-Marketing and sales:
After breeding and producing products such as meat, milk, and eggs, effective marketing and sales planning is necessary.
This includes identifying target markets, promoting products, and appropriately dealing with wholesale or retail customers.
3- Fisheries production
Fish production is usually carried out in two ways: 1- Fishing. 2- Aquaculture.
1- Fishing:
Fish are caught using several methods, the most important of which are:
– Small-scale fishing:
Small nets are used for fishing in rivers, lakes, and oceans. These nets are spread in the water and left for a certain period before being pulled to collect the caught fish.
The type, size, and material of the nets are selected based on the targeted fish species and aquatic environmental conditions.
– Angling:
Angling is used for fishing in freshwater and saltwater. It typically involves a piece of thread or strings with a weight on one end and a hook at the other.
Angling can be done manually or using traditional tools such as longlines.
– Fish trapping:
Traps are used for fishing in shallow waters such as rivers and natural ponds. The traps are fixed in the ground or in the water and equipped with bait to attract fish.
The traps are left for a period of time before the caught fish are collected.
– Large-scale fishing with nets:
Large nets or trawls are used to catch fish in large quantities in shallow waters such as coastlines and bays.
– The nets are dragged through the water using boats or other tools, and the caught fish are regularly collected.
– Trawling:
Trawling is used to catch fish in freshwater and saltwater collectively.
Trawling is done using fishing boats that drag nets through the water, and the fish are then surrounded and collected.
2- Aquaculture:
Aquaculture is used to produce a specific type of fish in large quantities, and it is a recurring process that follows the following steps:
1- Planning:
A detailed plan is developed for the aquaculture operation, including selecting the suitable fish species for cultivation and determining the appropriate farm location.
Planning also involves estimating costs and identifying required resources such as water, feed, and infrastructure.
2- Environment preparation:
Ponds or other aquatic basins where fish will be raised are prepared, including cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing them to receive the fish.
The aquaculture environment should have conditions such as suitable temperature, good water flow, and appropriate water quality for fish growth.
3- Stocking and rearing:
Young fish (eggs or fingerlings) are purchased from reliable sources or bred in earlier stages.
Fish are fed with suitable feed to enhance their growth and quality.
Fish are regularly monitored and observed to detect any health issues and ensure proper growth.
4- Healthcare:
Fish healthcare includes a regular schedule of vaccinations and preventive treatments to prevent diseases and parasites.
Water quality is monitored and analyzed regularly to ensure it meets the fish’s needs.
5- Marketing and sales:
Effective marketing planning is necessary for marketing farmed fish, including identifying target markets and developing appropriate marketing strategies.
Sales and distribution operations are organized systematically to ensure high-quality product delivery and timely delivery.