Green Revolution: The Green Revolution, starting in the mid-20th century, led to significant increases in agricultural productivity through the adoption of high-yielding crop varieties, modern irrigation techniques, and agrochemical inputs.
Rice and Wheat Belt: The Indo-Gangetic Plain in South Asia is known as the “Rice and Wheat Belt” due to its extensive cultivation of these staple crops, which are critical for food security in the region.
Coffee Belt: The “Coffee Belt” refers to the equatorial region between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn where coffee is grown. Countries in this belt, such as Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia, are major producers of coffee beans.
Banana Republics: Some countries in Central America and the Caribbean, known as “Banana Republics,” have historically depended on banana cultivation as a significant part of their economies. Examples include Honduras, Guatemala, and Costa Rica.
Wine Regions: Regions such as Bordeaux in France, Napa Valley in California, and Mendoza in Argentina are famous for their wine production due to favorable climatic conditions and soil types for grape cultivation.
Cocoa Belt: The “Cocoa Belt” encompasses regions near the equator, including West Africa (e.g., Ivory Coast and Ghana), which are major producers of cocoa beans, the primary ingredient in chocolate.
Slash-and-Burn Agriculture: Traditional farming practice in tropical regions involves clearing land by cutting and burning vegetation before planting crops. While it can be sustainable when done correctly, improper implementation can lead to deforestation and soil degradation.
Terraced Farming: In mountainous regions like the Andes in South America and the Himalayas in Asia, farmers practice terraced farming to create flat areas for cultivation, reducing soil erosion and maximizing arable land.
Monoculture vs. Polyculture: Monoculture involves cultivating a single crop on a large scale, while polyculture involves growing multiple crops together. Polyculture promotes biodiversity, reduces pest pressure, and enhances soil fertility compared to monoculture.
Aquaculture: Aquaculture, or fish farming, is becoming increasingly important for global food production, particularly in coastal regions. Countries like China, India, and Vietnam are leading producers of farmed fish and seafood.
