The high productivity of American agriculture is exemplified by _. a. low crop yields per farm worker b. high crop yields per farm worker c. the small cultivated area per inhabitant d. the small cultivated area per farmer
The correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
b. high crop yields per farm worker
Explanation:
The high productivity of American agriculture is best exemplified by high crop yields per farm worker. This means that each individual working in the agricultural sector in the United States is able to produce a large quantity of crops, thanks to several factors that contribute to overall efficiency and productivity.
One of the main reasons for this high productivity is the widespread use of advanced technology in farming. American agriculture makes extensive use of modern machinery such as tractors, combine harvesters, irrigation systems, and GPS-guided equipment. These tools significantly reduce the amount of manual labor required and allow a single farmer to cultivate and harvest vast areas of land.
Another contributing factor is the application of scientific farming methods, such as genetically modified crops, precision agriculture, and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. These innovations increase yield per acre and reduce crop losses due to pests, diseases, or unfavorable weather conditions.
Moreover, research and development in agricultural science play a crucial role. Universities and private companies in the U.S. invest heavily in developing more productive crop varieties and efficient farming techniques. Farmers have access to this knowledge and can apply it to maximize output.
Additionally, the U.S. has a well-developed infrastructure for transportation, storage, and distribution, which helps in reducing post-harvest losses and getting products to market quickly. This further supports high productivity and profitability.
In contrast, in many developing countries, a larger portion of the population is employed in agriculture, but they produce far less per worker due to limited access to technology and resources.
In conclusion, American agriculture’s hallmark is not the amount of land or the number of people working on farms, but how efficiently and effectively each farm worker can produce a large volume of crops. This is why high crop yields per farm worker is the best measure of its productivity.
