GEOGRAPHY
TYPES OF AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURE:
Agriculture is the practice of cultivating fields, and the word comes from two Latin
words: ager, meaning "field," and cultura, meaning "to cultivate." It involves a variety of
activities such as growing crops like food grains, vegetables, and fruits, as well
as rearing animals for dairy and meat. Other activities include poultry farming, which
involves raising chickens and ducks, and fish farming, where fish are reared in
ponds.
Agriculture has been an important part of human life for thousands of years and
remains a major occupation for many people around the world. In countries across Asia
and Africa, more than 50% of the population works in the agricultural sector. This
highlights its significance in providing employment and essential products like food
grains, which are crucial for feeding people.
There are many different types of agriculture practiced around the world, depending on
factors like climate, soil, and cultural practices. Crops can be categorized into food crops
(e.g., wheat, rice, maize), cash crops (e.g., cotton, tea, coffee), and horticultural crops (e.g.,
fruits, vegetables, flowers). In many regions, farming activities are divided into seasons,
such as the Kharif season (monsoon crops like rice and maize) and the Rabi
season (winter crops like wheat and barley). Farmers use various irrigation techniques
to water crops, including traditional methods like canals and wells, and modern methods
like drip irrigation and sprinklers.
Different types of soil, such as sandy, clay, and loamy, are suitable for different crops. Soil
fertility can be improved using natural fertilizers like compost and manure. The Green
Revolution introduced high-yielding varieties of seeds, chemical fertilizers, and modern
irrigation techniques, significantly increasing food production in countries like India.
Sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation, organic farming, and mixed farming,
help maintain soil health and reduce environmental impact.
Agriculture not only provides food but also raw materials for industries, such as cotton
for textiles, and contributes to a country's economy through exports. However, farmers
face challenges like unpredictable weather, pests, and lack of access to modern
technology, which can affect crop yields. Despite these challenges, agriculture remains a
vital part of human life, ensuring food security and supporting livelihoods worldwide.
SUSSISTENCE FARMING:
Subsistence farming is a type of agriculture where farmers grow crops or raise livestock
primarily to meet the needs of their own families. These farmers usually own small pieces
of land and produce just enough food to sustain themselves, with little or no surplus left
for sale or trade.
Key Features of Subsistence Farming:
1. Small Landholdings: Farmers work on small plots of land.
2. Limited Production: They grow only enough food for their families, such as rice
or vegetables.
3. Use of Organic Fertilizers: Farmers often use natural fertilizers like cow dung,
animal droppings, and dried plants.
4. Dependence on Monsoon Rains: They rely heavily on seasonal rains for
irrigation, as they may not have access to advanced irrigation systems.
Importance:
• Provides food security for the farmer's family.
• Uses traditional and eco-friendly farming methods.
• Common in regions with limited resources, such as parts of Asia and Africa.
Subsistence farming is crucial for the survival of many families, especially in developing
countries, where it ensures basic food needs are met.
INTENSIVE FARMING:
Intensive farming is an agricultural method where farmers aim to maximize output from
small plots of land. This type of farming is common in regions where agricultural land is
scarce, such as coastal areas, the Ganga Plain, the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam in India,
or the mountainous regions of the Himalayas. Other countries that follow a similar type
of farming are China, Korea, and Japan.
Key Features of Intensive Farming:
1. Small Landholdings: Farmers work on small plots of land.
2. High Yield per Acre: Farmers use high-yielding variety seeds and quick-ripening
seeds to maximize output.
3. Use of Fertilizers and Pesticides: Farmers use plenty of fertilizers and pesticides
to increase yield. However, the heavy use of such chemicals can harm useful insects
and birds, such as ladybirds and butterflies. Birds also become victims of
pesticides by consuming these insects and worms.
4. Irrigation: Apart from monsoon rains, farmers depend on irrigation canals for the
water supply for the crops.
5. Cropping Techniques: Farmers carry out several types of cropping on their land,
such as double cropping, multiple cropping, or crop rotation. This enables them to
earn an income from more than one source during the year.
Types of Cropping:
• Multiple Cropping: Growing two or more crops on the same piece of land in a
single year. This is possible only with irrigation, use of high-yielding variety, and
quick-ripening seeds.
• Double Cropping: Growing two crops one after another on the same piece of land
in a single year. For example, two main crops such as rice and wheat are grown in
a year or one main crop is grown followed by pulses and oilseeds.
• Crop Rotation: Growing different crops on the same piece of land in successive
years. For example, wheat in the first year; potatoes, beetroot, and carrots in the
second year; barley and rye in the third year; and pulses in the fourth year.
Impact on Ecology:
• The heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers can lead to the death of useful insects
and birds, harming the ecology.
• The use of night soil, animal manure (mostly cow dung), and household wastes
like vegetables, eggshells, and leftover food as fertilizers can also have ecological
consequences.
Distribution:
• Intensive farming is practiced in regions with scarce agricultural land, such as the
coastal areas, the Ganga Plain, and the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam in India, or in
the mountainous regions of the Himalayas.
• Other countries that follow a similar type of farming are China, Korea, and Japan.
Intensive farming is a method that aims to maximize agricultural output from limited
land. While it can increase yield and provide income through multiple cropping
techniques, it also has ecological drawbacks due to the heavy use of chemicals.
This method is crucial in regions with limited agricultural land but requires careful
management to minimize environmental impact.
EXTENSIVE FARMING:
Extensive farming is an agricultural method practiced in regions with low population
density and abundant land.
This type of farming is common in temperate grasslands and areas where large tracts of
land are available for cultivation.
Key Features of Extensive Farming:
1. Large Landholdings: Extensive farming requires large quantities of land,
typically ranging from 1000 to 2000 acres, to be profitable.
2. Low Human Labour: Due to the low population in these areas, most of the work
is done using large machines like combine harvesters.
3. Crops Grown: Crops such as wheat, maize, barley, and sugarcane are commonly
grown using extensive farming practices.
4. Mechanization: The use of machinery reduces the need for human labor and
increases efficiency in large-scale farming.
Distribution:
• Extensive farming is practiced in countries with vast land areas, such as the USA,
Canada, and Australia.
• In India, it is practiced in states like Punjab and Haryana, and parts of Uttar
Pradesh.
Advantages:
• High Efficiency: The use of large machines like combine harvesters increases
efficiency and reduces labor costs.
• Large-Scale Production: Extensive farming allows for the cultivation of large
quantities of crops, making it suitable for regions with low population density.
Extensive farming is a method suited for regions with abundant land and low population
density. It relies heavily on mechanization and large-scale cultivation to maximize
efficiency and output. While it offers advantages in terms of scale and efficiency, it
requires careful management to ensure sustainability and minimize environmental
impact.
SHIFTING CULTIVATION:
Shifting cultivation, also known as swidden agriculture or slash-and-burn farming, is a
traditional agricultural practice where farmers clear a piece of land by cutting down and
burning vegetation. The ashes from the burned plants provide nutrients to the soil, which
is then used to grow crops for a few years until the soil fertility declines. Once the land
becomes less productive, the farmers abandon it and move to a new area to repeat the
process. This cycle allows the previously used land to regenerate and recover its fertility
over time.
Key Features of Shifting Cultivation:
1. Land Clearing: Farmers clear a plot of forested land by cutting down trees and
vegetation. This is typically done during the dry season to allow the vegetation to
dry out.
2. Burning: The dried vegetation is burned, and the ashes provide nutrients like
potassium and phosphorus to the soil, enhancing its fertility.
3. Crop Cultivation: Crops such as maize, cassava, yams, and rice are planted on the
cleared land. The fertile soil supports farming for a few years.
4. Abandonment and Regeneration: After 2-3 years, when soil fertility declines,
the land is abandoned. Farmers move to a new plot, and the abandoned land is left
to regenerate naturally.
5. Cycle Repetition: After a fallow period of several years or decades, farmers may
return to the original plot once the forest and soil have recovered.
Distribution:
• Shifting cultivation is practiced in tropical regions with dense forests, such as parts
of Southeast Asia (e.g., Indonesia, Philippines), Africa (e.g., Congo Basin), and
South America (e.g., Amazon Basin). In India, it is practiced in states like Northeast
India (e.g., Nagaland, Mizoram) and parts of Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Advantages:
• Sustainability: When practiced with long fallow periods, shifting cultivation
allows the land to regenerate and maintain ecological balance.
• Low Input Costs: It requires minimal investment in tools, fertilizers, or machinery,
making it accessible to subsistence farmers.
• Biodiversity Preservation: The practice supports biodiversity by allowing
forests to regrow during fallow periods.
Disadvantages:
• Deforestation: Overuse or shorter fallow periods can lead to deforestation and
loss of biodiversity.
• Soil Degradation: Continuous cultivation without adequate fallow periods can
deplete soil fertility.
• Low Productivity: The method is not suitable for large-scale food production and
is often associated with low yields.
Shifting cultivation is a traditional farming method suited to tropical forest regions with
low population density. While it can be sustainable when practiced responsibly, it faces
challenges due to population pressure, deforestation, and soil degradation. Proper
management and longer fallow periods are essential to maintain its ecological balance
and sustainability.
COMMERCIAL FARMING:
Commercial farming is an agricultural practice focused on growing crops and raising
livestock on a large scale primarily for sale in domestic and international markets.
It is characterized by high investment, modern technology, and efficient production
methods to maximize output and profitability.
Key Features of Commercial Farming:
1. Large-Scale Production: Commercial farming involves cultivating large areas of
land to produce significant quantities of crops or livestock for sale.
2. Use of Modern Technology: It relies on High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds,
chemical fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, modern irrigation techniques, and
cold storage facilities to enhance productivity and preserve produce.
3. High Investment: Significant capital is required for machinery, storage,
transportation, and marketing of the produce.
4. Diverse Crops and Products: Commercial farming includes a wide range of
products such as cereals, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, wines, and spices.
5. Market-Oriented: The primary goal is to generate profit by selling the produce in
local and global markets.
Distribution:
• Global: Commercial farming is prevalent in countries with advanced agricultural
practices, such as the USA, Canada, European countries (e.g., France, Germany),
New Zealand, and Scandinavian countries.
• India: In India, commercial farming is practiced in states like Maharashtra (onions,
grapes, oranges), Haryana and Punjab (fine quality rice), Himachal Pradesh and
Kashmir (apples), Kerala and Goa (coconuts, spices), and Bihar and Jharkhand
(mangoes).
Advantages:
• High Efficiency: The use of modern technology and machinery increases
productivity and reduces labor costs.
• Economic Growth: Commercial farming contributes significantly to the economy
by generating income and employment opportunities.
• Market Availability: It ensures a steady supply of agricultural products to meet
consumer demand.
Disadvantages:
• High Initial Investment: The need for substantial capital for machinery, storage,
and marketing can be a barrier for small-scale farmers.
• Environmental Impact: Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides can
lead to soil degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
• Dependence on Market Prices: Farmers are vulnerable to fluctuations in market
prices, which can affect profitability.
Commercial farming is a large-scale, market-oriented agricultural practice that plays a
crucial role in meeting the food and raw material demands of growing populations. While
it offers significant economic benefits and efficiency, it requires careful mana gement to
address environmental concerns and ensure sustainable practices.
PLANTATION FARMING:
Plantation farming is a type of commercial farming where a single crop, known as a cash
crop, is cultivated over a large area of land. This form of agriculture is highly organized
and requires significant investment in capital, labor, and technology.
Plantation farming is primarily practiced in tropical and subtropical regions and is
focused on producing crops for both national and international markets.
Key Features of Plantation Farming:
1. Single Crop Cultivation: Only one type of crop is grown on a large area of land,
known as a plantation. Common crops include tea, coffee, rubber, cocoa, coconut,
and sugarcane.
2. High Capital Investment: Starting a plantation requires substantial financial
investment for land, machinery, labor, and infrastructure.
3. Cheap Labor and Skilled Management: Plantations employ a large number of
workers, often at low wages, and require skilled managerial and technical staff to
oversee operations.
4. Quality Control: Strict quality control measures are implemented to meet the
standards of both national and international buyers.
5. Processing and Packaging: The crops are processed in factories located within
or near the plantations and then packed for distribution to various markets.
Distribution:
• Global: Plantation farming is common in tropical and subtropical countries such
as Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Brazil, Indonesia, and Australia.
• India: In India, plantation farming was introduced by the British, primarily for
growing tea in the north (e.g., Assam, Darjeeling) and coffee in the south (e.g.,
Karnataka, Kerala). Today, tea is also grown in the south, and other crops like
rubber, cocoa, coconut, and sugarcane are cultivated in plantations.
Advantages:
• Economic Benefits: Plantation farming generates significant revenue and
provides employment opportunities for local communities.
• Export Potential: The high-quality products are exported to international
markets, contributing to foreign exchange earnings.
• Infrastructure Development: Plantations are well-connected by road and rail,
facilitating transportation and distribution.
Disadvantages:
• High Initial Costs: The need for large capital investment can be a barrier for small-
scale farmers.
• Labor Exploitation: Workers on plantations often face low wages and poor
working conditions.
• Environmental Impact: Monoculture practices can lead to soil degradation, loss
of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.
Conclusion:
Plantation farming is a specialized form of commercial agriculture that focuses on the
large-scale cultivation of cash crops for domestic and international markets. While it
offers significant economic benefits and job opportunities, it requires careful
management to address labor issues and environmental concerns. Plantation farming
plays a crucial role in the economies of tropical and subtropical countries, including India.
MIXED FARMING:
Mixed farming is an agricultural system where crops are grown and livestock are reared
on the same piece of land. This integrated approach allows farmers to diversify their
income sources and utilize resources more efficiently. Mixed farming is practiced to
achieve sustainability, reduce risks, and maintain ecological balance.
Key Features of Mixed Farming:
1. Diverse Crops and Livestock: Farmers grow a variety of crops (e.g., cereals,
vegetables, fodder) and rear animals such as cows, goats, sheep, and poultry for
milk, meat, and other products.
2. Multiple Income Sources: By combining crop cultivation and animal rearing,
farmers can rely on multiple sources of income. If one source fails, the other can
provide financial stability.
3. Use of Modern Tools and Techniques: Mixed farming incorporates modern tools,
high-quality seeds, chemical fertilizers, and electricity to enhance productivity.
4. Natural Fertilizers: Manure from farm animals is used as natural fertilizer,
improving soil fertility and reducing the need for chemical inputs.
5. Sustainable Practices: Mixed farming promotes soil conservation, prevents
erosion, and maintains ecological balance by integrating crops and livestock.
Distribution:
• Global: Mixed farming is popular in countries like the USA, Europe, Australia, and
New Zealand, where it is practiced on a large scale.
• India: In India, mixed farming is less common but is seen in regions like the
Himalayan mountains, where farmers practice beekeeping, cattle and sheep
rearing, and mushroom farming alongside crop cultivation.
Advantages:
• Risk Reduction: Diversification of income sources reduces the risk of total crop
failure or livestock loss.
• Resource Efficiency: The integration of crops and livestock allows for efficient
use of resources, such as using crop residues as animal fodder and animal manure
as fertilizer.
• Environmental Benefits: Mixed farming supports sustainable agriculture by
maintaining soil health, conserving water, and promoting biodiversity.
• Economic Stability: Farmers can achieve a steady income by selling both crop and
animal products.
Disadvantages:
• Management Complexity: Managing both crops and livestock requires more
knowledge, skills, and labor compared to single-activity farming.
• Initial Investment: Setting up mixed farming systems may require significant
initial investment in infrastructure, tools, and livestock.
• Market Dependence: Farmers may face challenges in marketing both crop and
animal products, especially in regions with limited demand.
Conclusion:
Mixed farming is a sustainable and integrated agricultural practice that combines crop
cultivation and livestock rearing. It offers multiple benefits, including risk reduction,
resource efficiency, and environmental conservation. While it requires careful
management and investment, mixed farming provides a balanced approach to
agriculture, ensuring economic stability and ecological harmony. In India, it is gradually
gaining attention, particularly in regions like the Himalayas, where farmers are adopting
this method to diversify their livelihoods.
