6 Types of Agricultural Inputs Found on Every Farm

From organic seeds, top-quality fertilizers to high-tech tractors, agricultural inputs are essential to have successful cultivation every year. Read this article to get an understanding of the various types of agricultural inputs needed on a farm.

Agricultural inputs are the resources and materials used in farming to grow crops and livestock. These inputs play a critical role in the agricultural process, as they directly impact the quality and quantity of the final product. You can buy agri inputs online or from any offline agricultural store. Some natural agriculture inputs include cow urine and dung, jaggery, lime, neem, etc. These products help to improve soil health and reduce input costs. There are several types of agricultural inputs, including:

1. Seeds

Seeds are one of the most vital and basic inputs in agriculture, as they are the foundation of any crop. Farmers select seeds based on their desired traits, such as yield, disease resistance, and quality. The quality of the seeds is determined by its genetic and physical purity accompanied by physiological soundness and health status. It is further analyzed based on uniformity in size, weight, and color, Besides this, seeds should be free from stones, debris, dirt, dust, leaves, twigs, stems, flowers, fruit and, other inert materials. They should not include shriveled, diseased, molded, discolored, damaged or empty seeds.

2. Water and Irrigation

Water is a crucial input for agriculture and it is essential for plant growth. The productivity of irrigated agriculture is often at least twice of rain-fed agriculture per unit of land, allowing for greater crop diversification and output intensification. Compared to non-irrigated land, irrigated land has better productivity.

3. Fertilisers

Fertilizers are substances added to soil or crops to provide essential nutrients for plant growth. They come in various forms, including organic and inorganic, and are essential for maintaining soil fertility.

4. Pesticides

Pesticides or insecticides are chemicals used to control pests and diseases that can damage crops. They help to protect crops and improve yields, but they also pose a risk to human health and the environment if used improperly. Thus, it is recommended to use organic fertilizers that are free from harmful toxins.

5. Machinery

Machinery such as tractors, harvesters, and ploughs are essential inputs in modern agriculture. They help to increase efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve yields.

6. Labour 

Under the direction of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers, laborer's use machinery and perform manual labor to maintain the quality of farms, crops, and livestock. A person who works on a farm to maintain crops like fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts is known as an agricultural worker. In order to raise or harvest any agricultural or horticultural product, including rearing, shearing, feeding, tending to, training, and managing cattle, bees, poultry, etc., they assist in cultivating the soil. Many skilled workers are hired annually with a fixed salary, but some are seasonal employees who only work during certain periods of time during the harvest season.

These are just a few examples of the many types of agricultural inputs used in farming. It is essential to buy good quality and organic agricultural inputs either online or offline. Diligent farmers carefully select and manage these inputs to optimize their crop yields and ensure the sustainability of their operations.