Summary
Chapter-3
In rural settings, economic activities revolve around primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors. Primary activities involve resource extraction, such as farming, fishing, and gathering. Secondary activities focus on processing these resources, including manufacturing and production. Tertiary activities provide services supporting the primary and secondary sectors, such as transportation, trade, and banking.
Primary Activities: Agriculture
Agriculture, a primary activity, encompasses crop cultivation and animal husbandry. It remains a significant source of livelihood for a large percentage of the global population, particularly in regions with favorable soil and climate conditions. Arable land, essential for agriculture, concentrates in regions conducive to crop growth.
Types of Farming
Farming methods vary based on geographical conditions, technology levels, and demand. Subsistence farming aims to meet the needs of the farmer’s family, utilizing traditional methods and minimal output. Commercial farming, on the other hand, focuses on producing crops and livestock for sale in markets. Subsistence farming further divides into intensive and primitive types, while commercial farming includes grain farming, mixed farming, and plantation agriculture.
Commercial Farming: A Market-Oriented Approach
Commercial farming operates on a large scale, employing advanced technology and extensive capital investment. Grain farming, practiced in temperate grasslands, focuses on producing crops like wheat and maize for commercial purposes. Mixed farming integrates crop cultivation and livestock rearing, commonly seen in various regions worldwide. Plantation agriculture concentrates on cultivating single crops like tea, coffee, or sugarcane, requiring significant labor and capital.
Major Crops and their Characteristics
- Rice: A staple food in many regions, thrives in warm, humid climates.
- Wheat: Requires moderate temperatures and well-drained soil, extensively grown in various countries.
- Maize: Thrives in moderate temperatures, well-drained soil, and ample sunshine, grown in North America, Brazil, China, and more.
- Cotton: Requires high temperatures, light rainfall, and well-drained soil, cultivated mainly in China, the USA, India, and Pakistan.
- Coffee: Flourishes in warm, wet climates and well-drained loamy soil, with Brazil leading in production followed by Colombia and India.
- Tea: Grown on plantations, requiring cool climates, high rainfall, and well-drained loamy soil. Kenya, India, China, and Sri Lanka are major producers.
Agricultural Development: Meeting Growing Demands
Agricultural development aims to enhance farm production to sustainably meet increasing population demands. Strategies include expanding cultivation areas, introducing high-yield crop varieties, improving irrigation systems, and mechanizing farming processes. The goal is to ensure food security, where all individuals have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for a healthy life.
Case Studies: Contrasting Agricultural Practices
Comparing agricultural practices in different countries provides insights into varying approaches and technologies. In India, small-scale farmers like Munna Lal engage in subsistence farming, relying on traditional methods and community support. In contrast, farmers like Joe Horan in the USA adopt large-scale commercial farming, leveraging advanced technology, precise planning, and business-oriented strategies to maximize yields and profitability.
Conclusion
Agriculture remains a vital sector globally, supporting livelihoods, ensuring food security, and driving economic development. Understanding the diverse farming methods, crop cultivation techniques, and agricultural advancements is crucial for sustainable agricultural practices and global food security.
Glossary: Do You Know?
- Organic Farming: Agricultural practice utilizing organic manure and natural pesticides without genetic modification for increased crop yield.
- Shifting Cultivation: Traditional farming method involving clearing land, growing crops, then moving to new plots once soil fertility declines. Known as ‘Jhumming’ in North-East India, ‘Milpa’ in Mexico, ‘Roca’ in Brazil, and ‘Ladang’ in Malaysia.
- Food Security: Ensuring all individuals have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for an active and healthy life.