‘Mediterranean Agriculture is highly specialised commercial agriculture.’ Discuss the statement by giving suitable arguments.

Commercial agriculture is the cultivation of crops and earing of animals on a commercial basis for selling in the market and reaping profits. It makes use of modern technology and sophisticated methods of production. Mediterranean Agriculture is highly specialised commercial agriculture.

Mediterranean agriculture is highly specialised commercial agriculture. It is mainly practised in the countries on either side of the Mediterranean sea in Europe and in North Africa from Tunisia to Atlantic coast, southern California, central Chile, southwestern parts of South Africa and south and southwestern parts of Australia. Viticulture or the cultivation of grapes is primarily done in the region. This region also produces olives and figs.

The best quality wines in the world are produced from the high-quality grapes of this region. Fruits and vegetables are grown in the region during winters when there is great demand for the commodity in the European and the North American markets.

The Mediterranean regions specialise in market gardening and the cultivation of high-value crops such as vegetables, fruits and flowers, solely for the urban markets. It gives more importance to irrigation, HYV seeds, fertilisers, insecticides, greenhouses and artificial heating in colder regions. It is well developed in the districts of north-west Europe, north-eastern United States of America and the Mediterranean regions.

The livestock reared is mainly poultry and cattle. They are breed selected, scientifically bred, scientifically taken care of, given manufactured food and carefully monitored against diseases. The Mediterranean agriculture requires heavy capital investment in terms of building, machinery, veterinary services and heating and lighting. Thus it can be classified as a highly commercialised farming.