Farmers were called Hunter gatherers in ancient times because they hunted animals and gather food from their surroundings like plants, fruits, vegetables, roots and leaves.

Introduction:

Farmers and hunter-gatherers are two different types of societies that have existed throughout human history. The term "hunter-gatherer" refers to a society that primarily relies on hunting animals and gathering wild plants for sustenance, while farmers are individuals who cultivate crops and raise domesticated animals for food production. The distinction between the two lies in their methods of procuring food and their overall lifestyle.

Why farmers are called "hunter-gatherers"?

1. Evolution of human societies:

- The transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agricultural societies is considered one of the major milestones in human history.
- Early humans were hunter-gatherers, obtaining food by hunting animals and gathering edible plants from their natural surroundings.
- Over time, some communities began to domesticate plants and animals, leading to the development of settled agricultural societies.

2. Historical context:

- The term "hunter-gatherer" emerged as a means to distinguish the lifestyle of early humans from those who transitioned into agricultural practices.
- It highlights the contrasting methods of food procurement and the shift in societal organization.

3. Different resource acquisition methods:

- Hunter-gatherers rely on the natural environment for their sustenance, hunting animals and gathering edible plants.
- Farmers, on the other hand, cultivate crops and raise livestock in a controlled environment.
- The distinction in food production methods is a key factor in labeling farmers as separate from hunter-gatherers.

4. Impact on societal structure:

- The transition from hunting and gathering to agriculture had a profound impact on human societies.
- Agricultural practices allowed for the development of permanent settlements, complex social structures, and the accumulation of surplus resources.
- In contrast, hunter-gatherer societies tend to be more nomadic and have simpler social structures.

Conclusion:

The term "hunter-gatherer" is used to designate societies that primarily rely on hunting and gathering for sustenance. Farmers, on the other hand, are individuals who engage in the cultivation of crops and domestication of animals for food production. The distinction between the two terms lies in the methods of resource acquisition and the societal impact of transitioning from hunting and gathering to agriculture. Understanding the historical context and the evolution of human societies helps to explain why farmers are referred to as distinct from hunter-gatherers.