Describe commercial farming and its types in detail.
Commercial farming is the practice in which crops are grown exclusively for commercial purpose, i.e. for sale in the market. A large area is cultivated and huge capital is involved unlike subsistence farming. Machines are used to a large extent.
Commercial grain farming is a class of commercial farming. Crops like wheat and maize are grown for commercial purpose. The temperate grasslands of North America, Europe and Asia are some common areas where it is seen.
Mixed farming is another type of commercial farming. The land is used for growing food and fodder crops and rearing livestock. Some areas where it is followed are Europe, eastern USA, Argentina, south-east Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Plantations are a type of commercial farming where only a single crop (like tea, coffee, sugarcane, cashew, rubber, banana or cotton) is grown. Large amount of labour and capital are required. The produce is processed in the farm itself or nearby factories.
Give reasons.
(i) In India agriculture is a primary activity.
(ii) Different crops are grown in different regions.
Answer the following questions.
(i) What is agriculture?
(ii) Name the factors influencing agriculture.
(iii) What is shifting cultivation? What are its disadvantages?
(iv) What is plantation agriculture?
(v) Name the fibre crops and name the climatic conditions required for their growth.
Name the inputs and outputs of agriculture in general. Also mention the various operations involved.
Enlist the climate conditions required for the proper cultivation of rice. Mention the main regions of its production.
Tick the correct answer.
(i) Horticulture means
(a) growing of fruits and vegetables (b) primitive farming (c) growing of wheat
(ii) Golden fibre refers to
(a) tea (b) cotton
(c) jute
(iii) Leading producers of coffee
(a) Brazil (b) India (c) Russiac
Fill in the blank spaces given to complete each sentence.
(i) In the world, ………. per cent of the population is engaged in agriculture.
(ii) …………. is the commercial rearing of silkworms.
(iii) ………. and …………… are two fundamental types of farming.
(iv) In the thickly populated areas of monsoon regions of Asia, the major class of farming done is ……………..
(v)………….,…………..,………….. and …………. are animals usually reared by nomadic herders.
(vi) In ………. ,land is used for growing food and fodder crops and rearing livestock.
(vii) ………….. and ……….. are fibre crops.
(viii) Tea is a major…………… crop in India.
(ix) Wheat thrives best in ……………. soil.
(x) The three major millets in India are ………….. and ………..
State whether each of the following statements is true (T) or false (F).
(i) Favourable topography of soil and climate are vital for agriculture.
(ii) Household labour is involved in subsistence farming.
(iii) A transport network is significant for plantation agriculture.
(iv) Major plantations are found in tundra regions.
(v) In the USA, the farmer usually resides in the farm.
Distinguish between the followings.
(i) Primary activities and secondary activities.
(ii) Subsistence farming and intensive farming.
Find out the difference between the lifestyle of farmers in the USA and India on the basis of pictures collected from magazines, books, newspapers and the internet.
