10.
II. LOCAL AGRICULTURE
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POSSIBILITIES OF DEVELOPMENT AND
RELEVANT MATTERS.
1. Types of Agriculture In considering Agriculture it is
essential to distinguish two types, namely
Agriculture and Rural Agriculture.
Commercial Agriculture
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Commercial
This type of agriculture deals
with crops of commercial interest for which world markets
are available. Such products in general are termed "food
crops" and "raw materials". It is considered that
Commercial Agriculture on a limited scale could find a
place in local affairs in respect to certain crops.
Rural Agriculture This type of agriculture is generally
concerned with the production of foodstuffs, etc., for
local consumption. Occasionally, where a crop of interest
to the world market is concerned, local growers by co-
operation produce sufficient quantities to enter the open
market, at this point Rural agriculture becomes Commercial
agriculture. This applies to some of the smaller West
Indies agricultural units. However, in this Colony typical
Rural Agriculture must be of the first importance and it
is on the lines of supply for local consumption that
agriculture should develop.
2. Functions of Agricultural Departments
The function of an
Agricultural Department is usually a dual one. Firstly,
(Commercial) to assist in the Colony's production by experiment
al and research work on staple crops and on new crops, in order
that the Colony's finances may benefit by the increased
production of higher quality produce and the successful
introduction of new economic crops. Also, by this means to
provide employment for a larger portion of the population.
Secondly, (Rural) to endeavour to make improvements in the
agricultural practices of the local population by demonstration
and by education in improved agricultural methods; together