Agriculture is the cultivation of land and breeding of animals and plants to provide food, fiber, medicinal plants and other products to sustain and enhance life.[1] Agriculture was the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled people to live in cities. 

Agriculture

The main occupation of people during the Chalcolithic age was agriculture. This era, also known as the Copper Age, marked a period of transition between the Neolithic and Bronze Age. During this time, people shifted from a predominantly hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled farming communities.

Transition from Hunting-Gathering to Agriculture

1. Advancements in Technology: The Chalcolithic age witnessed significant advancements in technology, such as the use of copper tools and weapons. These tools played a crucial role in clearing land, tilling soil, and harvesting crops, making agriculture more feasible.

2. Domestication of Plants: People began to domesticate plants, including cereals like wheat and barley, as well as legumes like lentils and peas. These crops provided a stable food source and led to the development of permanent settlements.

3. Shift to Sedentary Lifestyle: As agriculture became more established, communities began to settle in one place instead of constantly moving in search of food. This shift to a sedentary lifestyle allowed people to cultivate crops year-round and develop complex societies.

Importance of Agriculture

1. Food Security: Agriculture provided a reliable source of food for Chalcolithic communities. By cultivating crops, people could ensure a steady supply of grains, vegetables, and fruits, reducing their dependence on hunting and gathering.

2. Social Organization: The shift to agriculture led to the development of larger, more complex societies. With a surplus of food, people could specialize in different occupations, such as pottery-making, metalworking, and trading, which contributed to the growth of cities and the emergence of social hierarchies.

3. Economic Development: Agriculture also facilitated economic development. Surplus crops could be stored, traded, or sold, leading to the growth of local economies. This allowed communities to acquire wealth and resources, further contributing to the development of civilization.

4. Population Growth: The ability to produce a consistent food supply through agriculture supported population growth. With more people, communities could undertake larger-scale projects, such as building irrigation systems or fortifications, which further contributed to societal development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, agriculture was the main occupation of people during the Chalcolithic age. The transition from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled farming communities brought about significant changes in technology, social organization, and economic development. Agriculture provided a stable food source, allowed for specialization and trade, and supported population growth, ultimately leading to the development of complex civilizations.