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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1997
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agriculture
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1992-09-02
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The practice of farming, including the
cultivation of the soil (for raising crops)
and the raising of livestock. Crops are for
human nourishment, animal fodder, or
commodities such as cotton and sisal. Animals
are raised for wool, milk, leather, dung (as
fuel), or meat. The units for managing
agricultural production vary from small
holdings and individually owned farms to
corporate-run farms and collective farms run
by entire communities. Agriculture developed
in Egypt and the near East at least 7,000
years ago. Soon, farming communities became
the base for society in China, India, Europe,
Mexico, and Peru, then spread throughout the
world. Re-organization along more scientific
and productive lines took place in Europe in
the 18th century in response to dramatic
population growth. Mechanization made
considerable progress in the US and Europe
during the 19th century.