What caused all Jains long ago to give up farming?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, is fundamental to Jainism. Farming involves tilling the soil and using pesticides which can harm small insects and micro-organisms. Therefore, Jains long ago gave up farming in order to abide by this principle and avoid causing harm to any living being. Jains follow the principle of ahimsa, which means non-violence. They believed that farming involves the killing of living organisms in the soil and hence, a vast majority of Jains gave up farming to avoid violence.

What Caused All Jains Long Ago to Give Up Farming