Intensive Subsistence Farming Overview

Questions and Answers

Explain the impact of the right of inheritance on land holdings in intensive subsistence farming.

The right of inheritance leads to the division of land among successive generations, making land-holding size uneconomical.

What is the primary characteristic of intensive subsistence farming?

It is labor-intensive farming that uses high doses of biochemical inputs and irrigation for higher production.

How does the degree of commercialization differ among regions in India for commercial farming?

The degree of commercialization varies, with rice being a commercial crop in Haryana and Punjab but a subsistence crop in Odisha.

What distinguishes plantation farming from other types of farming?

Plantation farming involves growing a single crop on a large area using capital-intensive inputs and migrant labor. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the transport network play in the development of plantations?

A well-developed transport network connects plantation areas, processing industries, and markets, facilitating development. Signup and view all the answers

Name two important plantation crops grown in India.

Tea and coffee are important plantation crops in India. Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence the cropping patterns observed in India?

Physical diversities and the plurality of cultures influence agricultural practices and cropping patterns in India. Signup and view all the answers

Why does sugarcane take almost a year to grow?

Sugarcane is a long-duration crop that requires nearly a year for growth due to its biological cycle. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Intensive Subsistence Farming

Characterized by high population density and limited land availability.
Involves labor-intensive methods, utilizing significant biochemical inputs and irrigation to maximize yields.
Land inheritance practices result in progressively smaller landholdings, making farming economically challenging.
Lack of alternative employment opportunities increases reliance on agricultural land.

Commercial Farming

Utilizes modern inputs including high-yield seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to boost productivity.
The extent of commercialization differs regionally; for instance, rice functions as a commercial crop in Haryana and Punjab, but as a subsistence crop in Orissa.

Plantation Farming

Involves cultivating a single cash crop over extensive areas.
Integrates agricultural practices with industrial processes, relying on capital-intensive methods and migrant labor.
Produce serves primarily as raw materials for various industries.
Notable plantation crops in India include:
- Tea (Assam, North Bengal)
- Coffee
- Rubber
- Sugarcane
- Banana
Karnataka is recognized for its coffee, rubber, and tea plantations.
Development of a robust transport and communication infrastructure is crucial for connecting plantations, processing facilities, and markets.

Cropping Patterns

Reflect India’s physical and cultural diversity, influencing agricultural methodologies and crop selections.
Key types of crops cultivated include:
- Food crops
- Fibre crops
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Spices and condiments
Major varieties of crops are dependent on regional differences in soil quality, climate, and cultivation techniques.
Sugarcane cultivation typically requires around one year to mature.

Description

Explore the characteristics of intensive subsistence farming, particularly in high population areas. Understand the implications of inheritance on land size and the necessity for biochemical inputs and irrigation. Analyze the challenges that arise from the lack of alternative livelihoods in agricultural sectors.