Introduction To Subsistence Farming

In Subsistence farming, crops are cultivated or grown to satisfy the needs of the farmers. Subsistence farming Is performed on a small patch of land with no surplus leftover cultivated crops.

Fremont, CA: Pre-industrial agricultural peoples worldwide have practiced subsistence farming. As the soil in each area depleted, some people moved from site to site. As a result, farmers produced a large surplus of certain crops, which they traded for manufactured goods or sold for cash.

As urban centers grew, agricultural production turned more specialized, and commercial farming developed. Again, farmers produced an excess of certain crops, which they marketed for manufactured goods or sold for cash.

Types of subsistence farming

1. Primitive or simple subsistence farming

The ancient kind of agriculture, primitive farming, is still proficient in different parts of the world. Some people have driven their economy into primitive farming by learning the art of domesticating plants, which is a step 'upward' on the economic ladder from primitive gathering.

This style of farming is self-sustained, with farmers producing simply enough food for themselves and their families. However, some little surpluses can be bartered or sold for cash.

Consequently, the economy is stagnant with finite room for improvement. Yet, farmers have a great degree of rural independence since they are not dependent on landlords or trading centers.

Features of primitive subsistence farming

The other characteristic of primitive subsistence farming is the features of 'slash and burn agriculture.

For slash & burn agriculture, an area of land is cultured and grown with crops. After its production, the patch of land is absolved by flaming it with fire ashes, enhancing soil fertility.

To produce food for a few people, manual labor demands clearing land.

Crops are planted regularly between other plants at regular intervals, so the yield can vary and offer food throughout the year.

Milk, meat, and various other goods are produced in this manner.

2. Intensive subsistence farming

The term' intensive subsistence agriculture' implies a style of agriculture that produces a high output per unit of land while producing a low output per worker. Although the nature of this agriculture has advanced, it is no longer subsistence in many locations.

Despite these advancements, the phrase "intense subsistence agriculture" is still used to characterize agricultural systems that are demonstrably more complex than primitive agriculture. As a result, it's sometimes referred to as 'monsoon agriculture.'

Features of intensive subsistence farming

It entails a smaller piece of land, more labor to raise the crop, and less expensive equipment.

The climate of this cultivation is bright and fruitful, enabling more than one crop to be grown in the same area each year.

Farmers employ every possible manure, including farm wastes, rotting vegetables, clippings, fish wastes, guano, animal excrement (particularly from pigsties and poultry yards), and human excreta, to assure high harvests and ongoing fertility.

Artificial fertilizers are presently being utilized in greater quantities in Japan, India, and China, generally with government advice or help. Phosphates, nitrates, and potash are the most common fertilizers used, and they help to restore important plant nutrients in the soil.

Characteristics of Subsistence farming.

Following are the main features of subsistence farming.

1. Land Utilization

The land used for subsistence farming is small, usually 1 – 3 hectares. The goods or crops cultivated here are for the self-intake of the family.

2. Labour

Labour is abundant in this farming, and most workers are family members. In addition, farmers may hire labor since they were too busy cultivating at the time.

3. Power and transport

Livestock is the main source of energy in many countries. They plow the field, transport products, and do processing chores like sugar cane grinding. Unfortunately, the majority of the technology used is basic and inefficient.

Electricity and irrigation are not employed in this type of farming. Farmers also should not utilize outdated seeds or fertilizer varieties with high yields. Consequently, the output is tiny or non-existent.

4. Efficiency of Productivity

Low inputs, largely provided by the farmer, describe subsistence farming or traditional farms. Farmers, for example, do not buy seeds or cow dung manure. As a result, overall productivity, yields per hectare, and production per person are all low.

5. Level of uncertainty

The part of the risk in agricultural farming is significant. Failing one or more essential crops can put a farmer's entire years of work on hold.

6. Role of livestock

Traditional farming systems rely heavily on livestock. Farm animals uniquely defend farm households. Animals are similar to savings accounts. Farmers put their excess money into them.

When they achieve maturity, they can be sold or used in the event of crop failure or for other purposes such as weddings. Subsistence farmers have unrestricted access to beef, milk, and eggs, among other things.

7. Decision-making power

The decision-making power of subsistence farmers is restricted. As a result, his degree of independence is severely limited on the farm and at home.

8. Rationality plus risk

Traditional farmers are fiscally responsible. Therefore, they can be inspired to improve their standard of living.

Change is not bad for subsistence farmers, but proposed modifications must fit into their current farming methods. Conventional farmers are now emotionally prepared to take risks in their small-scale farming operations by incorporating modern inputs.

Conclusion

Subsistence farming is not designed to compete with traditional farming or add to agricultural overproduction's burden. Families practicing subsistence farming are promoted to consume their garden produce instead of sending it to faraway markets. They are not anticipated to be able to support themselves only using food production, as successful commercial farmers in the country are.

Generally, subsistence farming respects nature's renewability cycles and works in tune with them to preserve output. But long-term viability is contingent on human and environmental balance.