What is the primary focus of agriculture?

The primary focus of agriculture is farming, which encompasses the cultivation of crops and raising of livestock for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain and enhance human life. Agriculture is foundational to economies, especially in the context of early civilizations where it transitioned societies from nomadic lifestyles to settled farming communities. This shift allowed for the development of surplus food production, which in turn led to population growth and the rise of complex societies.

While mining natural resources, manufacturing goods, and trade and commerce are integral to the economy, they are distinct from agriculture. Mining focuses on extracting minerals and other geological materials, manufacturing refers to converting raw materials into finished products, and trade and commerce involve the exchange of goods and services. Farming, as the core activity of agriculture, specifically addresses the production of food and raw materials essential for human sustenance and economic activity.