PRT 2008

Agriculture and Man

(2 Credits)

Facilitator: Idris Bin Abu Bakar

H/P: 0122900515
e-mail: idris_ab@upm.edu.my

OBJECTIVES
At the end of the course, a student can:
1. Explain the role of agriculture in the
development of civilization and human well
being.
2. Describe the importance of agriculture sector
in ensuring food security and as basic
resources for industry.
3. Discuss and evaluate the importance of
agriculture resources and its management
for the development of sustainable
agriculture.

SYNOPSIS
The course encompasses the evolution of
agriculture from the beginning to the present as
a planned activity for food security and wealth
creation driven by economic development and
technology in a sustainable manner. Modern
agriculture is presented as a science, an art and
a business encompassing its role and impact on
resource utilization and human development.

Lecture Topics
1.

Introduction and Scope of Modern Agriculture.

- Definition of agriculture.
- Importance of agriculture.
- Agricultural systems and practices
- Downstream product

2.

Livestock and Aquaculture Industry in Malaysia

- Livestock population
- System of production

Lecture Topics
3.Transformation and modernization of
agriculture

Evolution of agriculture
Social values and cultures in agriculture
Agricultural revolution: causal factors,
characteristics and implication
Modernisation in agriculture

Lecture Topics
4. Agro-ecological system

Climate, water, soil, biotic and human

resources
Impact of climate change on agriculture
Environment, pollution and degradation of
natural resources

Lecture Topics
5.Genetic resources in agriculture
Origin and distribution of crops, livestock
and aquaculture
Germplasm and diversity
Genetic and conservation of genetic
resources

Lecture Topics
6.Sustainable agriculture
Sustainable agriculture
characteristics
Sustainable agriculture practices
Development of sustainable
agriculture

Lecture Topics
7. Climatic change and Environmental
Impacts on Agriculture
- Effects of climatic change
- Global warming

Lecture Topics
8.Innovation and challenges in agriculture
Research and innovation technology
Innovation challenges in agriculture

Lecture Topics

9.Agriculture and national economic

Contribution of agriculture sector to
Malaysian economy
International agriculture trade

Lecture Topics
10. Approaches to agricultural development in
Malaysia
National Agricultural Policy
Agricultural institution, extension and target
groups
Legislations and standards

Evaluation
Course Work:
1. Attendance
2. Quiz 1
3. Quiz 2
4. Quiz 3
4. Group Assignment
Presentation
Report
Visit

5%
20%
20%
20%

15%
15%
5%

Evaluation

Select a paper on a selected topic, not exceeding 15 pages,

type written, double-spacing and inclusive of illustrations
Group oral presentation (15%)
Report writing (15%)
Execution - i Form group of 3 students (select your own
leader)
ii Written assignment submitted by the 13th week
iii Initiate oral presentation on the 13th and 14th
week
A field visit will be conducted to familiarize students with
agricultural practices

Choice of topics for your written

assignment
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Advocating good agricultural practices

Agricultural technology
Agricultural as Malaysias third engine of growth
Agrotourism
Agriculture for non-food
Aquafarming
Agricultural biotechnology

8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

Agricultural biodiversity
Benefiting from agricultural waste
Comparative agricultural systems
Environmental issues in agriculture
Entrepreneurship in agriculture
Food safety
Organic farming
Malaysia as a halal food hub