Agriculture can be practised in many different ways depending on land availability, climate, technology and the needs of farmers. Subsistence farming is one of the major types of agriculture in which farmers mainly grow crops to meet their own and their family's needs.
The two main forms of subsistence agriculture are primitive and intensive farming. The difference between primitive and intensive subsistence farming is that primitive farming uses traditional methods, while intensive farming aims for maximum production from a small piece of land using intensive labour and inputs.
Understanding these differences is important for farmers. Let's look at the two farming systems in detail.
Difference Between Primitive and Intensive Subsistence Farming
The difference between primitive subsistence and intensive subsistence farming can be understood by comparing their farming methods, land use and geographical conditions.
|
Basis |
Primitive Subsistence Farming |
Intensive Subsistence Farming |
|
Meaning |
Traditional farming for basic needs. |
Farming that maximises output from small land. |
|
Method |
Often involves shifting cultivation. |
Land is cultivated continuously and intensively. |
|
Land Use |
Farmers may move to new plots. |
The same land is used repeatedly. |
|
Tools |
Simple, traditional tools are used. |
Labour and modern inputs may be used. |
|
Labour |
Mainly depends on family labour. |
Requires intensive family labour. |
|
Technology |
Limited use of modern technology. |
Greater use of improved farming methods. |
|
Population Pressure |
Usually lower pressure on land. |
Common in densely populated areas. |
|
Main Focus |
Meeting family needs. |
Maximum production from limited land. |
|
Common Regions |
Tropical and forested regions. |
Densely populated parts of Asia. |
Although both types of farming are practised mainly to meet the food needs of farmers and their families, they differ significantly in their methods, use of land and level of farming intensity.
1. Farming Method
Primitive Subsistence Farming:
- Follows traditional farming methods often including shifting cultivation.
- Farmers cultivate a piece of land for a limited period before moving to another plot when required.
Intensive Subsistence Farming:
- Focuses on carefully and repeatedly cultivating the available land for maximum use.
- Use intensive cultivation practices to produce the maximum possible output from limited land.
2. Use of Land
Primitive Subsistence Farming:
- Farmers may leave or shift from a plot when its productivity declines, especially in shifting cultivation.
- The same piece of land may not be cultivated continuously for a long period.
Intensive Subsistence Farming:
- The same small piece of land is used continuously for cultivation.
- Farmers try to make the best possible use of limited agricultural land to increase production.
3. Tools and Technology
Primitive Subsistence Farming:
- Mainly depends on simple and traditional farming tools.
- Modern machinery and advanced agricultural technology are generally used to a limited extent.
Intensive Subsistence Farming:
- May use improved farming methods, irrigation and other agricultural inputs depending on available resources.
- Farming techniques are often managed carefully to improve productivity from limited land.
4. Labour Requirement
Primitive Subsistence Farming:
- Mainly depends on the farmer and family members for agricultural work.
- Most farming activities are carried out through manual labour using simple methods and tools.
Intensive Subsistence Farming:
- Also relies heavily on family labour for cultivation and land management.
- Labour is used more intensively because small plots need careful and efficient cultivation.
5. Population Pressure
Primitive Subsistence Farming:
- Traditionally developed in regions where communities had access to larger natural areas for cultivation.
- Farmers could move between different plots of land, particularly where shifting cultivation was practised.
Intensive Subsistence Farming:
- More common in densely populated regions where many people depend on agriculture.
- Limited agricultural land forces farmers to cultivate small plots intensively to increase production.
6. Regions Where They Are Practised
Primitive Subsistence Farming:
- Has traditionally been practised in tropical and forested regions.
- It is found in parts of Asia, Africa and South America.
Intensive Subsistence Farming:
- Particularly common in densely populated agricultural regions of Asia.
- Widely practised in areas where landholdings are small and agricultural land is limited.
7. Main Objective
Primitive Subsistence Farming:
- To produce enough food to meet the basic needs of the farmer and their family.
- Production is mainly focused on personal and family consumption rather than large-scale commercial purposes.
Intensive Subsistence Farming:
- The basic purpose is also to meet the food requirements of the farmer and their family.
- Farmers place greater emphasis on increasing production from the limited land available to them.
What is Primitive Subsistence Farming?
Primitive subsistence farming is a type of subsistence farming that uses simple tools and methods and relies mainly on local natural resources.
Shifting cultivation is a common form where vegetation is cleared, crops are grown for a limited period, and farmers move to another plot when the soil becomes less productive.
Where is Primitive Subsistence Farming Practised?
Primitive subsistence agriculture has traditionally been associated with tropical regions, including parts of:
- Africa
- South and Central America
- Southeast Asia
- Northeast India
The exact farming practices can vary significantly depending on the local climate, soil, vegetation and culture.
What is Intensive Subsistence Farming?
Intensive subsistence farming is practised where there is high pressure on agricultural land and farmers have limited land available for cultivation. In this system, farmers try to obtain maximum production from a relatively small plot. Family labour plays an important role, and land may be cultivated intensively to support the needs of the household.
Types of Intensive Subsistence Agriculture
Intensive subsistence agriculture can be divided into two main types:
1. Wet Paddy-Dominated Intensive Farming
- Common in regions with suitable climate and water availability.
- Rice is the main crop.
- Uses small landholdings and high family labour.
- Focuses on intensive cultivation and high production per unit area.
- Common in densely populated parts of Asia.
2. Intensive Farming with Other Crops
- Found in areas where rice cultivation is not suitable due to differences in climate, soil, relief, or water availability.
- Common crops include wheat, barley, soybeans, sorghum, and millets.
- Irrigation is often used where rainfall is insufficient.
Conclusion
The main difference between Primitive and Intensive Subsistence Farming is the farming method and how farmers use their land and resources. The choice of farming method depends on factors such as land availability, climate, water, soil, and crop requirements. Understanding these factors can help farmers choose suitable farming practices and improve crop production.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main difference between intensive farming and extensive farming?
Intensive farming uses more labour on smaller areas, while extensive farming uses larger areas with fewer inputs per unit of land.
2. What are different types of subsistence farming?
The two main types of subsistence farming are primitive subsistence farming and intensive subsistence farming.
3. What are two types of primitive subsistence farming?
The two types of primitive subsistence farming are shifting cultivation and nomadic herding.
4. What is another name for intensive subsistence farming?
Another name for intensive subsistence farming is intensive subsistence agriculture.