Industrialized agriculture produces than traditional agriculture.
A) The same amount of food
B) More food on less land
C) Less food on more land
D) More food on more land
E) Less food on less land
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: B) More food on less land
Explanation
Industrialized agriculture, also known as intensive or modern agriculture, is designed to maximize food production using advanced technologies, mechanization, synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and irrigation systems. Compared to traditional agriculture—which typically relies on manual labor, natural fertilizers, and smaller-scale practices—industrialized agriculture produces more food on less land.
The key to this increased productivity lies in efficiency and technology. High-yield crop varieties are genetically engineered or selectively bred to produce more food per plant. Combined with chemical fertilizers that supply plants with optimal nutrients, these crops grow faster and yield more per acre than those in traditional systems. Additionally, pesticides help minimize losses from pests and diseases, and machinery allows for quicker, large-scale planting and harvesting, further increasing efficiency.
Furthermore, irrigation systems used in industrial farming ensure consistent water supply, even in arid regions, leading to stable and high yields. In contrast, traditional farming is often more vulnerable to climate variability and typically yields less per unit area.
This ability to produce more food on less land is a major reason why industrial agriculture has been credited with helping to feed the growing global population, especially since the Green Revolution in the mid-20th century. However, while it increases food output, industrialized agriculture also raises environmental and ethical concerns, including soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, water pollution, and dependence on fossil fuels.
In summary, option B is correct because industrialized agriculture’s reliance on scientific innovation and mechanization allows it to generate greater crop yields per acre, thereby producing more food on less land than traditional farming practices.
