The history of agriculture is a testament to human ingenuity and adaptation. Early agricultural practices began around 10,000 years ago when humans transitioned from nomadic hunter-gatherer societies to settled farming communities. These early farmers cultivated all kinds of grains, laying the foundation for modern agriculture. The Fertile Crescent, encompassing parts of modern-day Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, is often cited as the cradle of agriculture, where wheat, barley, and legumes were first cultivated.

As civilizations evolved, so did agricultural techniques. The Egyptians developed irrigation systems to control the flooding of the Nile, while the ancient Chinese practiced crop rotation and utilized iron plows. The Roman Empire introduced large-scale farming and advanced storage methods, enabling them to feed vast populations. These early innovations were critical in supporting the growth of societies and the development of trade networks.