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[Audio] Types Of Agriculture. Types Of Agriculture.

[Audio] Subsistence Agriculture Subsistence agriculture is a traditional farming practice in which farmers grow crops primarily for their own family's consumption rather than for sale in markets. It is commonly practiced in rural and developing regions where access to technology and modern inputs is limited. The main objective of subsistence farming is survival, with farmers producing just enough food to meet the basic needs of their households. In this type of agriculture, farms are usually small in size and operated by family members using simple tools such as ploughs, sickles, and basic hand implements. Farmers rely heavily on natural rainfall, traditional knowledge, and age-old techniques that have been passed down through generations. Because of the limited use of modern machinery, productivity tends to be low. Subsistence farming typically includes a mix of crops such as grains, vegetables, and sometimes small-scale livestock like goats, chickens, or cattle. The choice of crops depends on local climate, soil conditions, and family needs. Since the produce is consumed locally, there is very little surplus left for trade or income generation..

[Audio] Commercial Agriculture Commercial agriculture is a modern farming system in which crops and livestock are produced mainly for sale in national or international markets. The primary goal of this type of farming is profit, not personal consumption. It is widely practiced in developed regions and large agricultural economies where advanced technology, machinery, and scientific farming methods are available. In commercial agriculture, farms are typically large in size and managed like business enterprises. Farmers use high-yielding seeds, modern irrigation systems, tractors, harvesters, and other equipment to increase productivity. Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and improved crop varieties are used to ensure higher output and protect crops from diseases and pests. Due to these advanced methods, commercial farming produces large quantities of food and cash crops. The type of crop grown depends on market demand, climate, and soil conditions. Common commercial crops include wheat, rice, maize, cotton, sugarcane, tea, coffee, rubber, and oilseeds. In some regions, commercial livestock farming—such as dairy farming, poultry farming, pig farming, and cattle ranching—is also widely practiced. ..

[Audio] Intensive Agriculture Intensive agriculture is a farming system that focuses on achieving maximum productivity from a small area of land by using high levels of labor, capital, and technology. Unlike subsistence or extensive farming, the main goal is to produce large quantities of crops or livestock for market consumption. It is widely practiced in densely populated regions where land is limited, such as parts of Asia and Europe. In intensive agriculture, farmers use modern techniques and inputs to increase yield. These include high-yield variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation, and mechanized tools. Crops are often grown in multiple cycles per year to maximize production. Examples of crops grown using intensive agriculture include wheat, rice, vegetables, and fruits. Intensive livestock farming, such as poultry or dairy farming, is also common. This method requires skilled labor and careful management to maintain soil fertility, control pests, and ensure consistent crop output. The advantages of intensive agriculture include higher productivity, efficient use of land, and the ability to meet the food demands of growing populations. However, it has some challenges, such as soil degradation, water depletion, environmental pollution from chemicals, and higher input costs..

[Audio] Extensive Agriculture Extensive agriculture is a type of farming that is carried out over large areas of land with relatively low inputs of labor, capital, and technology. Unlike intensive agriculture, which aims to maximize output from a small area, extensive farming focuses on utilizing large tracts of land to produce crops or rear livestock. It is commonly practiced in regions with low population density, such as parts of North America, Australia, and Russia, where land is plentiful. In extensive agriculture, the methods are usually simple, and machinery may be used to a limited extent. Farmers rely mostly on natural resources like rainfall and fertile soil, rather than chemical fertilizers or irrigation, though some modern methods may be applied. Crops such as wheat, barley, maize, and cotton are commonly grown, while livestock farming includes cattle, sheep, and goats. The main advantages of extensive agriculture include lower production costs per unit of land and suitability for regions where land is abundant but labor is scarce. It also reduces the intensity of land use, which can help preserve soil fertility and minimize environmental degradation. However, the yield per hectare is generally lower, and productivity can be heavily influenced by climate conditions and soil quality.

[Audio] Shifting Cultivation Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, is a traditional farming system in which land is cleared by cutting and burning trees and vegetation, and crops are grown for a few years before the land is abandoned to allow soil fertility to recover. This method is commonly practiced in tropical forest regions of Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. In this system, farmers clear a small plot of land, burn the vegetation to enrich the soil with ash, and cultivate crops such as maize, millet, rice, yams, or vegetables. Crops are grown for a few years until the soil loses its nutrients, after which the farmers move to a new area and repeat the process. The abandoned land is left fallow for several years to regain fertility naturally. Shifting cultivation is labor-intensive but does not require sophisticated tools or machinery. It is suitable for areas with low population density and abundant forest land. The method allows farmers to adapt to local ecological conditions, and the fallow periods help maintain biodiversity and soil health to some extent. However, the practice faces challenges such as deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity if fallow periods are reduced due to population pressure.

[Audio] Plantation Agriculture Plantation agriculture is a commercial farming system in which a single cash crop is cultivated on a large estate, primarily for sale in national and international markets. It is capital-intensive and requires a combination of labor, machinery, and processing facilities. This type of agriculture is commonly practiced in tropical and subtropical regions, including India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Common crops grown on plantations include tea, coffee, rubber, sugarcane, cocoa, cotton, and oil palm. Plantations are usually large in size and often involve a hierarchy of management, with a focus on high productivity and quality for the market. Irrigation, fertilizers, pesticides, and mechanized tools are used to maintain continuous and efficient production. Plantation agriculture provides employment to a large number of people and contributes significantly to a country's economy through exports. It is often linked to processing industries, such as sugar mills, tea factories, and rubber processing plants, which adds value to the raw produce. However, plantation farming has certain challenges, including environmental degradation, soil exhaustion, water overuse, and dependency on a single crop, which makes it vulnerable to market fluctuations..

[Audio] Mixed Farming Mixed farming is an agricultural system in which crops and livestock are raised together on the same farm. This type of farming is designed to diversify production, reduce risks, and increase the farmer's income. It is commonly practiced in regions with moderate climate, fertile soil, and sufficient rainfall, such as parts of Europe, India, and the United States. In mixed farming, farmers grow food crops like wheat, rice, maize, and vegetables while simultaneously rearing livestock such as cows, goats, sheep, or poultry. The produce from crops can feed the animals, and the manure from livestock can be used as a natural fertilizer for crops. This creates a sustainable cycle that improves soil fertility and ensures better utilization of resources. The advantages of mixed farming include risk reduction, because if one crop fails, the farmer still has livestock products or other crops to depend on. It also provides multiple sources of income, supports food security, and contributes to the stability of rural livelihoods. However, mixed farming requires careful planning, labor, and management skills to balance the needs of crops and animals. It may be less suitable for very small plots of land or areas with limited water resources..

[Audio] Dry Farming Dry farming is a method of agriculture practiced in regions with low and irregular rainfall, typically less than 500 mm annually. In this system, crops are grown without irrigation, relying solely on rainwater and soil moisture conservation. It is commonly practiced in arid and semi-arid regions of India, the Middle East, parts of Africa, and the western United States. The main focus of dry farming is to conserve soil moisture and select crops that can withstand drought conditions. Farmers use techniques such as deep plowing, mulching, and contour farming to reduce water loss from the soil. Drought-resistant crops like millets, sorghum, barley, pulses, and oilseeds are typically grown under this system. Advantages of dry farming include low water dependency, suitability for regions with limited rainfall, and low irrigation costs. It also allows farming in areas where water resources are scarce. However, dry farming has challenges such as low and unpredictable yields, high dependence on seasonal rainfall, and vulnerability to drought. Dry farming plays an important role in ensuring food production in arid regions and supporting rural livelihoods..

[Audio] Organic Farming Organic farming is an agricultural system that focuses on producing food naturally, without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The main goal is to maintain soil health, protect the environment, and produce safe, chemical-free food. Organic farming is practiced worldwide, including in India, Europe, the United States, and Australia. In organic farming, farmers rely on natural inputs such as compost, green manure, crop rotation, and biological pest control. These methods improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, and maintain ecological balance. Crops commonly grown organically include vegetables, fruits, grains, and pulses, while organic livestock farming avoids chemical growth promoters and antibiotics. The benefits of organic farming include healthier food products, sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and increased biodiversity. It also promotes long-term soil fertility and reduces water and air pollution caused by chemical inputs. However, organic farming faces challenges such as lower yields compared to conventional farming, higher labor requirements, and the need for certification to sell products as "organic.

[Audio] Horticulture is the branch of agriculture that deals with the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. Unlike general crop farming, horticulture focuses on high-value, intensive crops that require careful management, specialized skills, and attention to quality. It is practiced worldwide, particularly in regions with favorable climate, fertile soil, and adequate water supply. Horticulture includes several sub-branches: Pomology – cultivation of fruits such as apples, mangoes, oranges, and grapes Olericulture – cultivation of vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, and spinach Floriculture – cultivation of flowers and ornamental plants for decorative and commercial purposes Landscape horticulture – designing and maintaining gardens, parks, and green spaces Horticultural practices often involve advanced techniques such as greenhouses, drip irrigation, trellising, pruning, and pest management to ensure high productivity and quality produce. These crops usually require more labor and careful management compared to staple crops. The benefits of horticulture include nutritional security, higher income for farmers, employment generation, and export potential..

[Audio] Thank you By: Cheras. Thank you. By: Cheras.