Question

Give a contrasting comparison of multiple cropping and modern farming methods.

Answer 1

Hint : Multiple cropping is a method when two or more crops are sown on the same piece of land simultaneously. Modern farming methods, as the name suggests, are dependent on the advanced processes of farming.

Complete answer :
Multiple cropping method:Multiple cropping (multi-cropping) methods are related to the popular practice of growing two or more crops on the same piece of land during the same season instead of just one crop. When multiple crops are grown at the same time the practice is known as intercropping.
Characteristics
Two or more crops are grown which adds to the variety and may yield proportionate income, i.e. one crop yields higher profits to cover the expenses of both the crops.
The crops require different kinds of nutrients which help to maintain soil's fertility.
Threshing can be somewhat difficult in this case as different crops are harvested together.
It is the traditional method of farming as it involves usage of traditional seeds for crop production that require less irrigation, less advanced machinery, etc.
Generally, the yields from this method tend to remain low.

Modern Farming Methods:Modern farming methods, on the other hand, refer to the agricultural production system marked by the high inputs of capital, labour, along with usage of heavy farm machinery such as threshers, harvesters, winnowing machine, and technology such as selective breeding, pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and insecticides.
Characteristics
Different crops are grown during different periods of a particular year.
It implies the usage of modern agricultural inputs for the production- Chemical fertilizers, HYV seeds, heavy and advanced farm machinery and artificial irrigation, etc.
Easy threshing practices with the help of advanced techniques.
It is a modern method of farming.
Although the productivity of this method is high, yet, it is not environmentally friendly.

Note :One thing that has to be paid attention to is, along with increasing profit, the quality of land has to be kept in mind as well.Modern farming uses chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The traditional methods paid attention to it but the modern techniques are responsible for the degrading soil quality.