2. Pests and Diseases: Pests, such as insects, rodents, and fungi, could cause severe damage to crops, leading to reduced yields and economic losses. Farmers had to use various methods to control pests, including using pesticides, crop rotation, and biological pest control.
3. Extreme Weather: Extreme weather conditions, such as hailstorms, floods, and tornadoes, could devastate crops and infrastructure. These events could wipe out an entire season's harvest and cause significant financial hardship for farmers.
4. Insects: Insects, such as locusts, could cause significant damage to crops by devouring entire fields. In some regions, locust infestations were a regular occurrence and could result in widespread crop losses and famine.
5. Financial Risks: Farming is a capital-intensive business, and farmers often faced financial challenges, such as the need for expensive equipment, seeds, fertilizers, and labor. Access to credit and financing could be limited, especially for small-scale farmers, making it difficult to invest in necessary resources.
6. Market Volatility: Farmers often faced uncertainty in the agricultural market, where prices could fluctuate rapidly. This made it difficult to predict income and plan for the future. Fluctuations in the market could lead to periods of low prices, making it challenging for farmers to generate sufficient revenue.
7. Labor Shortages: In some areas, farmers struggled to find sufficient labor to work in the fields, especially during peak harvesting seasons. This could impact productivity and lead to losses.
8. Transportation and Infrastructure: Farmers often faced challenges in transporting their produce to markets due to poor road infrastructure and limited access to transportation facilities. This could delay delivery, increase costs, and reduce their profit margins.
9. Land Degradation: Some farming practices, such as over-cultivation, could lead to land degradation and loss of soil fertility. This affected the long-term productivity of the land and made it more difficult for farmers to sustain their livelihoods.
10. Social Isolation: Farmers often lived in rural areas with limited social opportunities. This could lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and mental health challenges, especially during periods of financial stress or difficult weather conditions.