Question

Highlight any three differences between primitive subsistence farming and commercial farming.

Answer 1

Hint: Farming is an important part of agriculture that includes crop cultivation and rearing of animals. The practice of farming dates back to the neolithic era when humans gave up nomadic hunting and started setting down and forming communities. River valleys around which civilisations developed in the ancient times were sustained through farming. Because it produces food in various kinds, it is fundamental for human survival. Different types of farming methods are practised across the world and they mostly depend on natural factors like climate and soil and also the availability of resources required for farming.

Complete answer:

Primitive subsistence farming	Commercial farming
Primitive subsistence farming is one of the earliest farming techniques to be practised because it makes use of primitive tools and is carried out on a small-scale.	Commercial farming, on the other hand, makes use of modern tools and technology like chemical pesticides, fertilisers, HYV seeds and is carried out on a much larger scale.
Primitive subsistence farming is only sufficient to feed the farmer and their family.	Commercial farming is done with a view to sell the crops and gain profit.
Primitive subsistence farming is labour-intensive which means that it mainly makes use of human labour.	Commercial farming is capital intensive so it depends mostly on machines to get the work done.
Through primitive subsistence farming food crops like wheat, rice, millets and such are raised.	Commercial farming raises cash crops like cotton, sugarcane, coffee, tea, jute, etc.

Note: There are also other forms of farming that include arable farming which involves growing crops in the warm season and pastoral farming which involves rearing of animals during the cold and wet season. Mixed farming involves growing crops and rearing animals on the same land.