Intensive subsistence farming is primarily found in densely populated regions of Asia, characterized by high labour input and small land holdings. Farmers cultivate staple crops like rice and wheat using irrigation, fertilizers, and multiple cropping techniques to maximize yields. This farming method depends on family labour and traditional practices. Despite its labour-intensive nature, it enables farmers to achieve relatively high crop yields per unit of land. However, it may lead to challenges such as soil degradation and environmental issues if not managed sustainably.

In this article, we will look into the meaning of Intensive Subsistence Farming and its characteristics with examples. It is an important concept of Class 10 Geography. Students can review this article for comprehensive notes on “Intensive Subsistence Farming “.

What is Intensive Subsistence Farming?

Intensive subsistence farming is a labour-intensive agricultural practice prevalent in densely populated regions, particularly in countries like India and China. It involves maximizing agricultural output from small plots of land through heavy use of labour, irrigation, and biochemical inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. Farmers rely on traditional farming techniques and manual labour to cultivate crops such as rice, wheat, and pulses.

Land fragmentation due to inheritance traditions leads to small land holdings, driving the need for intensive farming methods. While it helps sustain livelihoods in areas with high population pressure, it also poses challenges, such as environmental degradation and soil erosion due to intensive cultivation practices.

Characteristics of Intensive Subsistence Farming

Characteristics of intensive subsistence farming are:

• Labor-intensive: Relies heavily on manual labor for farming activities.
• Small land holdings: Often practiced on small plots of land due to land fragmentation.
• High population pressure: Common in densely populated regions with limited arable land.
• Intensive use of inputs: Utilizes biochemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.
• Emphasis on crop variety: Cultivation of a diverse range of crops for sustenance.
• Traditional techniques: Reliance on traditional farming methods and knowledge.
• Irrigation dependency: Requires consistent water supply for crop growth.
• Economic focus: Aimed at maximizing yields from limited land for livelihood sustenance.

States in India Practicing Intensive Subsistence Farming

Several states in India depends on intensive subsistence farming due to high population pressure on agricultural land. Some prominent states where this farming method is practiced include:

1. Uttar Pradesh: With a large population and limited arable land, Uttar Pradesh depends on intensive subsistence farming.
2. Bihar: Another densely populated state, Bihar faces challenges of land fragmentation, leading to increased pressure on agricultural land.
3. West Bengal: The fertile plains of West Bengal witness intensive subsistence farming, primarily due to the dense population in the region.
4. Assam: In Assam, where land holdings are small and population pressure is high, intensive farming methods are important for sustaining livelihoods.
5. Kerala: Despite its hilly terrain, Kerala practices intensive subsistence farming in the available lowlands due to population pressure.
6. Madhya Pradesh: The central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh engages in intensive farming practices to meet the demands of its sizable population.

Challenges Faced by Farmers

Challenges faced by farmers are:

Land Fragmentation and Economic Viability

The ‘right of inheritance’ tradition has led to the division of land among successive generations, resulting in smaller land holdings. While this tradition ensures equitable distribution, it makes land-holding sizes uneconomical. Despite facing this challenge, farmers strive to maximize output from limited land due to the absence of alternative livelihood options.

Population Pressure and Agricultural Land

High population pressure increases the challenges of intensive subsistence farming. As the population grows, the demand for food increases, further straining already limited agricultural land. Farmers face immense pressure to produce more to sustain the growing population, leading to intensive cultivation practices.

Dependency on Biochemical Inputs and Irrigation

Intensive subsistence farming depends on biochemical inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to maintain soil fertility and control pests and diseases. Additionally, irrigation systems are essential to ensure consistent water supply for crops. However, the overuse of these inputs can lead to environmental degradation and water resource depletion, posing long-term sustainability challenges.

Sustainability Concerns

While intensive subsistence farming may temporarily increase yields, it comes at the cost of environmental degradation and soil depletion. Continuous cultivation without adequate restorative measures can lead to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and decreased soil fertility, ultimately impacting long-term agricultural productivity.

Conclusion: Intensive Subsistence Farming

Intensive subsistence farming serves as a lifeline for millions of farmers in densely populated regions of India, where land scarcity and high population pressure is present. Despite facing numerous challenges, including land fragmentation and dependency on external inputs, farmers continue to strive for maximum productivity to sustain their livelihoods. However, there is a pressing need for sustainable agricultural practices that balance productivity with environmental conservation to ensure the long-term viability of intensive subsistence farming in India.

Also Read:

• Intensive Subsistence Agriculture
• Compare intensive subsistence farming with commercial farming in India
• Distinguish between Subsistence Farming and Intensive Farming
• Subsistence Farming : Essential Attributes, Characteristics

FAQs on Intensive Subsistence Farming

What is intensive subsistence farming?

Intensive subsistence farming is a type of agriculture where farmers use simple tools and a lot of manual labor to cultivate small plots of land. The crops grown are consumed by the farmer and their family.

What are the 4 types of farming?

The four types of farming are subsistence, commercial, intensive, and extensive.

How many types of agriculture are there in India?

There are three main types of agriculture in India: subsistence farming, commercial farming, and plantation farming.

Why is there an enormous pressure on agricultural land in India?

The enormous pressure on agricultural land in India is due to the high population density coupled with limited availability of arable land.

Which crop is intensive farming?

Rice is a common crop cultivated through intensive farming methods due to its high labor and input requirements.

What are characteristics of intensive subsistence farming?

Intensive subsistence farming is characterized by labor-intensive cultivation, small land holdings, and depend on inputs like fertilizers and irrigation to maximize yields on limited land.