Back to: Jss1 Agricultural Science (PVS)

The factor of Production (capital)

Capital refers to all man-made productive assets that are used in the process of production. It encompasses all the resources that are required to start and run a farming venture, such as land, machinery, buildings, and raw materials. Capital is often associated with money, as it is typically required to invest in these assets and maintain them over time.

Types of Capital

1. Fixed capital: This refers to assets or capital goods that are acquired for sustained use in the production process and are not consumed during production. Examples of fixed capital include farm buildings, motor vehicles, farm tools and implements, tractors, incubators, irrigation equipment, and more.
2. Working or variable capital: This refers to capital assets that are used up or consumed during the production process. These include items such as water, feeds, drugs, cash in hand, vaccines, litter, fertilizers, seeds, chemicals, and other materials.
3. Human Capital: this type of capital refers to the skills, knowledge, and experience of the workforce in an organization or economy. It includes education, training, health, and other factors that contribute to the productivity and potential of individuals. Companies and economies can invest in human capital through training and education programs, health care, and other initiatives to improve the skills and abilities of their workforce.
4. Financial Capital: this refers to the money or financial resources available to an organization or individual. It includes funds raised through borrowing, equity, or other financial instruments, as well as cash reserves and other liquid assets that can be used to fund investments or operations.
5. Natural Capital: this type of capital refers to the natural resources and ecosystems that support economic activity. It includes land, water, air, forests, minerals, and other natural resources that are used in production and consumption. Natural capital can be managed sustainably to support economic growth while preserving the environment for future generations.
6. Social Capital: this type of capital refers to the networks, relationships, and social norms that facilitate economic activity. It includes trust, social cohesion, cultural values, and other social factors that influence economic behaviour. Social capital can help to build and maintain strong communities, promote cooperation and collaboration, and foster economic growth and development.

Sources of Capital

Avenue from which a farmer can get money to start or ensure the smooth running of a farming venture includes:

1. Personal savings: This refers to the money that an individual saves from their income or earnings for future use. It can be in the form of cash savings, investments, or retirement accounts. Personal savings can be used for a variety of purposes such as emergencies, major purchases, or to fund personal projects.
2. Gifts from friends: This refers to money or assets that an individual receives from friends without any expectation of repayment. Gifts from friends can be used for a variety of purposes such as paying off debt, funding personal projects, or covering unexpected expenses.
3. Grants or aid from the government and other organisations: Grants or aid refer to the financial support provided by the government, non-profit organizations, or private foundations to individuals or businesses. These grants can be used for a variety of purposes such as education, research, or starting a business.
4. A loan from friends: A loan from friends refers to the money that an individual borrows from friends with the expectation of repayment. The terms of the loan, including the interest rate and repayment schedule, are usually agreed upon between the borrower and the lender.
5. A loan from family members: Similar to a loan from friends, a loan from family members refers to the money that an individual borrows from family members with the expectation of repayment. The terms of the loan are usually agreed upon between the borrower and the lender and can include interest and a repayment schedule.
6. A loan from banks and other financial institutions: This refers to the money that an individual borrows from banks or other financial institutions such as credit unions. These loans can be used for a variety of purposes such as purchasing a home or car, starting a business, or consolidating debt. The terms of the loan, including the interest rate and repayment schedule, are determined by the lender.
7. A loan from the government: This refers to the money that an individual borrows from the government. These loans can be used for a variety of purposes such as education or housing. The terms of the loan, including the interest rate and repayment schedule, are determined by the government. Examples of government loans include student loans and small business loans.

Characteristics of Capital

Capital refers to the financial resources or assets that a business uses to generate income. Here are some of the characteristics of capital:

1. Long-term nature: Capital refers to resources that are typically used for long periods of time, such as machinery, buildings, and land. These assets are not meant to be consumed immediately, but rather are expected to provide value over an extended period.
2. Productive capacity: Capital is used to produce goods and services that generate revenue for a business. The assets used to generate this revenue, such as machinery, equipment, and technology, are considered productive capital.
3. Cost of acquisition: Capital resources often require a significant upfront investment. The cost of acquiring capital can include the purchase price of assets, as well as any associated costs like installation, maintenance, and repair.
4. Risk and return: Capital investments carry a certain level of risk, and the expected return on these investments must be sufficient to compensate for this risk. The return on investment (ROI) is the profit generated by capital investment and is a critical factor in determining the value of capital.
5. Fixed and working capital: Capital can be classified into two types: fixed and working capital. Fixed capital refers to assets that are not consumed in the production process, such as buildings and machinery. Working capital refers to the assets that are consumed in the production process, such as raw materials and labour.
6. Diversification: Diversifying capital investments across different asset classes can help mitigate risk and increase the likelihood of generating a positive ROI. By diversifying investments, a business can spread its risk and potentially achieve a more stable return over time.

Importance of Capital in Agricultural Enterprise

Capital is an essential element in the agricultural enterprise, as it helps farmers acquire the resources necessary to increase productivity and profitability. Here are ten important of capital in the agricultural enterprise:

1. Purchasing land: Capital allows farmers to purchase land, which is essential for agricultural production.
2. Acquisition of farm inputs: With adequate capital, farmers can purchase farm inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery.
3. Technology adoption: Capital allows farmers to adopt modern farming techniques such as irrigation systems, precision agriculture equipment, and automated harvesting machinery.
4. Expansion of farms: Capital enables farmers to expand their farms by acquiring additional land and other farming assets.
5. Hiring labour: Capital enables farmers to hire more labour, which can help increase productivity and efficiency.
6. Marketing and distribution: With adequate capital, farmers can invest in marketing and distribution channels to reach larger markets.
7. Emergency preparedness: Capital enables farmers to prepare for emergencies such as natural disasters, droughts, and pests by investing in insurance, contingency plans, and emergency funds.
8. Business diversification: Capital enables farmers to diversify their businesses by investing in non-agricultural ventures such as agro-tourism, processing, and value-addition activities.
9. Quality assurance: Capital enables farmers to invest in quality control measures to ensure that their products meet market standards.
10. Farm maintenance: Capital enables farmers to maintain their farms and equipment, ensuring that they are in good working condition and that productivity is not compromised.