Throughout the history of human civilisation, plants and plant-based resources have held immense importance. Since ancient times, humans have utilised various plants for food, medicine, and shelter. Over time, it became evident that certain plants could consistently provide specific essential products such as grains, fibre, sugar, oil, and more. As a result, humans began cultivating these useful plants deliberately, nurturing them with care to meet their needs.
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Crop Identification and Nutritional Importance
What is a Crop?
Crops are those plants which are cultivated deliberately by humans for economic or nutritional benefits. However, not all plants qualify as crops. Only those plants whose parts are used by humans for food, shelter, or other needs—and are produced with special care on agricultural land—are considered crops. These are generally cultivated in open fields and are, therefore, referred to as field crops.
Crops and Nutrition
Plant-based food crops fulfil a range of dietary needs by supplying vital nutrients required for energy, growth, immunity, and productivity. However, not all plant products are considered food. Only those that provide essential nutrition and are beneficial to health are classified as food items.
Characteristics of Field Crops
Field crops generally exhibit the following features:
- Mass Cultivation: Crops such as rice, wheat, and jute are cultivated extensively over large areas. In contrast, fruit and tree crops are usually grown and maintained on an individual plant basis.
- No Need for Fencing: Fields for field crops are typically left open, whereas vegetable or fruit plots often require fencing for protection.
- Uniform Maturity and Harvest: Field crops tend to mature at the same time and are harvested all at once. On the other hand, crops like brinjal or tomato ripen in stages and are harvested periodically.
- Dry Form Usage: Field crops such as rice, jute, and oilseeds are usually dried before use, unlike fruits and vegetables which are consumed fresh.
Field Crops vs Horticultural Crops
It is worth noting that field crops are commonly referred to as agronomic crops, whereas fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants are termed horticultural crops.
Cereal Crops
Among field crops, rice, wheat, maize, and barley fall under the category of cereal crops. These belong to the Gramineae or Poaceae family and form the cornerstone of our daily diet.
✅ Rice – Our Staple Food
Nearly half the global population consumes rice as their staple food. In Bangladesh, rice is cultivated on approximately 80% of arable land. India holds the largest area under rice cultivation.
Nutritional Value:
- Primarily provides carbohydrates
- Contains approximately 8% protein
- Safe for consumption across all age groups, including children
- Often introduced as a child’s first solid food
Rice not only fulfils our energy needs but also plays a crucial role in children’s growth and in meeting the daily nutritional requirements of families.
The contribution of field crops to human nutrition is undeniable. Cereal crops, especially rice, are not only foundational to Bangladesh’s food security but also critical to that of many other nations. Their nutritional significance is deeply interwoven with our dietary habits and overall health.
In Bangladesh’s agriculture-based society, pulse crops hold immense significance. Among field crops, lentils, chickpeas, black gram, green gram, pigeon peas, grass peas, and garden peas are some of the most common pulses. These crops are exceptionally rich in protein—an essential nutrient for human health. In addition to their nutritional value, pulse cultivation enhances soil fertility through nitrogen fixation by symbiotic bacteria, which helps maintain the soil’s organic matter.
Pulses are not only vital for human nutrition but also serve as excellent feed for domestic animals. The husks of these crops are often used as high-protein animal feed. In the context of livestock management in Bangladesh, grazing land plays a key role. In developed countries, pastures are typically sown with a mixture of grasses and leguminous crops, meeting animals’ nutritional needs efficiently. The presence of legumes in grazing land also helps maintain a balanced nutrient cycle by absorbing animal waste, thus contributing to soil fertility and sustainable farming.
Oilseed crops—such as mustard, soybean, and sunflower—supply essential fats for the human body. Among them, soybean is particularly important, being both a pulse and an oilseed crop, thereby offering dual nutritional benefits. Collectively, these field crops fulfil most of the dietary nutritional needs. However, a prolonged deficiency or complete absence of any specific nutrient in the diet may lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Malnutrition remains a critical issue in Bangladesh. It is widespread among children under the age of five, often leading to severe health conditions and even death. Estimates suggest that nearly 80 percent of the population suffers from some form of malnutrition, resulting in reduced physical strength, poor health, and a weakened immune system.
Scientific cultivation of field crops not only ensures food security but also plays a significant role in combating malnutrition. These crops, when consumed, are broken down in the stomach into simple nutrients, supporting bodily growth, tissue regeneration, energy production, and disease resistance. For a healthy body, a balanced diet containing all essential nutrients is crucial.
Sources of Nutrients
Nutrients primarily come from two sources: plants and animals. While animal protein is naturally of high quality, it is often expensive and may pose health risks. For example, though beef and mutton are rich in nutrition, excessive intake can increase the risk of heart disease. In such cases, plant-based proteins—especially from pulses and oilseeds—serve as a safer and more affordable alternative.
The majority of people in Bangladesh meet their protein needs by consuming affordable plant-based foods such as pulses and oilseeds. Hence, pulses are often referred to as the “Poor Man’s Meat” due to their high protein content and accessibility. These crops are not only nutritionally rich but also easy to grow and environmentally friendly.