Question.
Compare between intensive subsistence agriculture and extensive subsistence agriculture. (UPPSC, 2020, 10 marks)
Answer.
Agriculture or farming is the science and art of cultivation on soil, raising crops, and raising livestock. Agriculture can be classified into two types, on the basis of labor and technology, production demand and geographical conditions;
- Subsistence farming
- Commercial farming
Subsistence agriculture is done to meet the needs of the family; Low level of technology and domestic labor is used for small production under subsistence agriculture.
Subsistence agriculture is also classified into the following two types:
- Intensive Subsistence Agriculture:
- Extensive subsistence agriculture [Shifting cultivation, nomadic herding]
Following are the differences between intensive subsistence agriculture and extensive subsistence agriculture:
- Intensive subsistence agriculture is cultivated on a small plot of land using simple tools and more labor whereas extensive subsistence agriculture is done over large areas.
- Intensive subsistence agriculture is practiced in highly populated regions such as the monsoon region, Southeast region, and East Asia while extensive subsistence agriculture is practiced in less populated regions such as mountainous regions and desert regions.
- In intensive subsistence agriculture, the use of fertilizers and pesticides is high whereas in extensive subsistence agriculture the use of fertilizers and pesticides is generally absent.
- Intensive subsistence agriculture is costlier than extensive subsistence agriculture.
- The productivity of intensive subsistence agriculture is higher than that of extensive subsistence agriculture.
- Extensive subsistence agriculture is a slightly eco-friendly farming method as compared to intensive subsistence agriculture.
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