Agriculture and transport are two large industries that depend on each other. Agriculture comprises the preparation of plants and animal products that are finally delivered to consumers. An efficient transport system is essential in this process. Fertilizers, pesticide-coated seeds, and packaging materials need to be delivered to farmers on time. Transport enables the delivery of these agricultural essentials to a farmer. After harvesting, every farmer needs to sell their products as soon as possible before they go bad.
Below, we’ll have a look at the importance of transportation in agriculture.
Development of Agriculture
The development of sound transport systems from road, rail, air and water has helped the agricultural sector grow. Transportation has also made it possible for farmers to access better seeds, fertilizers, equipment, and broader markets. Access to these items has encouraged farmers to reinvest in their farms and expand their production. Increased demand and income has facilitated this growth.
Labor
Agricultural farms require intensive labor, especially in large scale farming. Well-structured transport systems allow workers to access these farms. Where there are poor roads and transport infrastructure, workers have a hard time accessing the farms. The farm’s operations are ultimately affected when the employees are late or cannot access the farm.
Exportation of Produce
Air, water, and rail transport have made the exportation of produce possible. Perishable commodities such as fruits, vegetables, and meat can be transported fast before they go bad. The exportation of produce also provides farmers with a broader market meaning more income for farmers.
Benefits to Consumers
The transportation has made it easier for consumers to access commodities. Produce from distant places can now be accessed across at local grocery shops. Consumers also get to choose from a variety of products. This is made possible by the transportation of goods from different regions. Producers are also challenged to offer the best produce since there is a lot of competition posed by different producers.
Stability of Prices
As in any other business, the rule of demand and supply applies in agriculture as well. In regions where there is a high demand for certain products but scarce supply, the prices are likely to hike and fluctuate from time to time. Transportation has helped eliminate this problem. If one region of a country has mangoes, these mangoes can be transported to all the areas across the country. Hence, mango prices are constant regardless of the region.
Facilitation of Large Scale Production
Large-scale production of goods is only possible if raw materials and final products can be transported efficiently. With transportation, companies that require farm produce to make their products can now do so on a large scale. Their products are hence transferred to their customers on time.
Access to Broader Markets
Agriculture promotes access to broader markets for farm produce. Problems such as saturation of the local markets and decrease in the price of produce are solved through transportation. Countries that have a deficit in agricultural produce can import from countries with a surplus. In this way, everyone benefits from the exchange. For this to work there has to be proper transport networks and coordination.
Improved Relations and Connections
Transportation has helped improve relations and connections between farmers and suppliers. Due to increased interactions aided by transportation, there is goodwill created between farmers and suppliers. These relations have spearheaded the growth of both industries. When farmers have access to larger markets, they demand more supply from their suppliers. The win-win situation enhances relations between farmers and suppliers.
Transport encourages the farmer to capitalize on their investment and increase production. Without transport systems, large quantities of agricultural produce would go to waste. Well managed agrarian production contributes to the overall national economy. The importance of transport in the farming industry cannot be overlooked. It is, however, essential to have the right people for the job to ensure timely delivery of goods and products.
