Question

"Agriculture and industries complement each other." Justify the statement.

Answer 1

How Agriculture Supports Industries:

1. Raw Material Supply:
   • Many industries, such as textiles, sugar, food processing, and paper, depend on agriculture for raw materials.
   • Example: The cotton industry relies on cotton grown by farmers.
2. Market for Industrial Goods:
   • Farmers and agricultural workers purchase industrial products like tools, tractors, fertilizers, and irrigation equipment.
   • Increased agricultural income boosts demand for industrial goods.
3. Employment Generation:
   • Agriculture provides raw materials to agro-based industries, which in turn create job opportunities in processing and manufacturing.
   • Example: The dairy industry employs people in milk processing, packaging, and distribution.

How Industries Support Agriculture:

1. Supply of Machinery and Equipment:
   • Industries manufacture tractors, harvesters, irrigation pumps, and other farming tools that increase productivity.
2. Production of Fertilizers and Pesticides:
   • Chemical industries produce fertilizers and pesticides that improve soil fertility and protect crops from pests.
3. Development of Agro-Processing Units:
   • Industries process agricultural products into value-added goods like packaged food, dairy products, and textiles.
   • Example: Sugar mills convert sugarcane into sugar, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
4. Infrastructure Development:
   • Industrial growth leads to better transportation, storage, and marketing facilities for agricultural goods.
   • Example: Cold storage facilities help preserve perishable agricultural products like fruits and vegetables.