AGRICULTURE AND ITS TYPES

Some idea about agriculture.....

Farming refers to the practice of cultivating crops, raising animals, and producing food, fiber, and other materials for human consumption or use. Farming is one of the oldest and most important human activities, as it provides the basis for human survival and sustenance.

There are several different types of farming, each with its own unique characteristics and methods. Some of the most common types of farming include:

Subsistence farming: This type of farming is practiced by small-scale farmers who grow crops and raise animals to meet the basic needs of their families or communities. The main goal of subsistence farming is to produce enough food to sustain the household, with little or no surplus for sale.

commercial farming: This type of farming is carried out on a larger scale and involves the production of crops or livestock for sale in the market. Commercial farmers use modern technologies, such as tractors, fertilizers, and pesticides, to increase yields and maximize profits.

Organic farming: Organic farming is a type of farming that avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and instead relies on natural methods of pest control and soil management. Organic farmers also use techniques like crop rotation, cover cropping, and composting to improve soil health and reduce environmental impact.

Hydroponic farming: Hydroponic farming is a method of growing crops without soil, using nutrient-rich water and a variety of growing media like perlite, rockwool, and coconut coir. Hydroponic farming can be carried out in a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse or indoor facility, and allows for year-round crop production.

Aquaculture: Aquaculture is a type of farming that involves the cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish, and algae. Aquaculture can be practiced in a variety of environments, including ponds, tanks, and ocean cages, and can provide a sustainable source of seafood to meet growing global demand.

Livestock farming: Livestock farming involves the raising of animals, such as cows, pigs, and chickens, for meat, milk, eggs, and other products. Livestock farming can be carried out on a small scale or in large industrial operations, and can have significant environmental and ethical impacts.

Urban farming: Urban farming is a type of farming that takes place in urban areas, using small plots of land or even rooftop gardens to grow crops and raise animals. Urban farming can help increase access to fresh, locally grown produce and reduce the environmental impact of food transportation.

These are just a few examples of the many different types of farming that exist around the world. Each type of farming has its own unique benefits and challenges, and the choice of which method to use will depend on factors such as climate, geography, available resources, and cultural practices.

Primitive Subsistence Farming : This type of farming is still practised in few

pockets of India. Primitive subsistence

agriculture is practised on small patches of

land with the help of primitive tools like hoe,

dao and digging sticks, and family/

community labour. This type of farming

depends upon monsoon, natural fertility of

the soil and suitability of other environmental

conditions to the crops grown.

It is a ‘slash and burn’ agriculture.

Farmers clear a patch of land and produce

cereals and other food crops to sustain their

family. When the soil fertility decreases, the

farmers shift and clear a fresh patch of land

for cultivation. This type of shifting allows

Nature to replenish the fertility of the soil

through natural processes; land productivity

in this type of agriculture is low as the farmer

does not use fertilisers or other modern

inputs. It is known by different names in

different parts of the country.

It is jhumming in north-eastern states like

Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland;

Pamlou in Manipur, Dipa in Bastar district

of Chhattishgarh, and in Andaman and

Nicobar Islands.

Jhumming: The ‘slash and burn’ agriculture

is known as ‘Milpa’ in Mexico and Central

America, ‘Conuco’ in Venzuela, ‘Roca’ in

Brazil, ‘Masole’ in Central Africa, ‘Ladang’

in Indonesia, ‘Ray’ in Vietnam.

In India, this primitive form of cultivation

is called ‘Bewar’ or ‘Dahiya’ in Madhya

Pradesh, ‘Podu’ or ‘Penda’ in Andhra Pradesh,

‘Pama Dabi’ or ‘Koman’ or Bringa’ in Odisha,

‘Kumari’ in Western Ghats, ‘Valre’ or ‘Waltre’

in South-eastern Rajasthan, ‘Khil’ in the

Himalayan belt, ‘Kuruwa’ in Jharkhand, and

‘Jhumming’ in the North-eastern region.