Discuss in groups and answer the following questions:

Write a note on the importance of agriculture in Karnataka.

Agriculture is the science and art of cultivating plants and livestock. Agriculture is made of two words one is agri and the second is culture. Agri means plants or crop and culture means to grow. Agriculture is the cultivation of plants, animals and poultry for the purpose of human consumption.

Animal husbandry, poultry, bee-keeping, and sericulture are included under agriculture. 61.4% of the people live in rural areas in Karnataka and they depend on agriculture for their livelihood. It is one of the ancient and primary occupations of Karnataka.

The importance of agriculture in Karnataka:

*It provides food for the people.

*It provides employment to people.

*It provides raw materials to industries.

*It plays an important role in the political and social systems of the Karnataka.

*It helps in the development of tertiary occupations like transport, banking etc.