Agriculture—farming and its types

FACTORS INFLUENCING AGRICULTURE

There are many factors that influence the agriculture of a

region. Some of the physical and socio-economic factors that
greatly influence agriculture are as follows:
Climate
The role of climate is crucial in governing agricultural activities
throughout the world. Temperature and rainfall are the basic
factors on which agriculture survives. For example, crops grown
in cold climates cannot be grown in other areas

Relief Features

The land on which the crops are grown is known as arable land.
The low-lying lands such as plains, rivers, valleys, and deltas are
more suitable for cultivation of crops than hilly areas. In the
lowlands, dense population provides cheap and adequate
labour. Better transport facilities and a ready market for farm
products are available in the lowlands.
Soil
Soil of different places vary in their chemical compositions. The
soil not only supports the plants but also acts as a medium to
supply moisture and nutrients to the plants. Different crops
grow well in different types of soil. For example, rice grows best
in clayey, alluvial soil while black lava soil is suitable for the
production of cotton

Socio-Economic Factors
The socio-economic factors such as availability of labour,
capital, market for commodity, cost of farming, system of land
ownership, government policies and the level of scientific and
technological developments also influence the agriculture of a
region.
Question answers
1, what is shifting agriculture?
Ans- Shifting cultivation is mostly practiced by tribal people
living in hilly or forested regions. Shifting cultivators are mostly
found in tropical forests. The practice of this method promotes
deforestation, because to clear a patch of forest land, tribals
burn down the trees and bushes. In some parts of the world, it
is also termed as slash and burn agriculture. Major crops grown
are beans, maize, and millets. After two to three years, the soil
loses its fertility and becomes unproductive. Then, the farmer
shifts to another part of land
2, In which region is nomadic herding practiced?
Ans- The main areas where nomadic herding is practiced are
semi-arid and arid regions of Sahara, central Asia (Mongolia)
and several parts of India like Jammu and Kashmir and
Rajasthan.
3, what do you understand by the term co-operative farming?
Ans- Co-operative farming is a new trend in farming.). The
mode of operation is simple. Farmers take loans from co-
operative banks and invest the amount in farming. Land is tilled
collectively by the farmers. Maximum utilization of modern
machinery is done in such type of farms. This increases
agricultural production. Products are not directly launched on
the market; they are made available through a co-operative
shop or a retail sale outlet. Co-operative farming is commonly
practiced in the countries like Sweden, Belgium. In India, it is
practiced in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat.
4, write the differences between organic and mixed farming?
Ans- climate: -The latest research shows that in modern
farming harmful pesticides are used and genetic modifications
are done to increase the yield.

Organic farming is promoted to prevent the adverse effects of

modern farming. New farms based on traditional knowledge
have been set up.
Crops are cultivated on these farms without the use of
fertilizers and pesticides. Crops are not genetically modified,
and the use of indigenous seeds is encouraged. Organic
products are nutritious and cause no harm to health.
mixed farming: - crops are grown and animals are reared on
the same farmland. Along with food crops, fodder crops are
cultivated. Cattle rearing for meat and milk is an important
feature of mixed farming. Farming is practiced with advanced
and modern techniques. Farms are of moderate size and
intensive farming is practiced. A high yield in crops is ensured
by the use of improved seeds, chemical fertilizers and advanced
machinery. Practice of crop rotation is common to retain the
fertility of the soil. Farmers cultivate cereal crops like maize,
barley, and wheat along with root crops like turnips and
potatoes. They also grow legumes like beans and peas and
fodder crops like alfalfa.
5, Name any four types of farming with examples?
Ans-the types of farming are: -
 Intensive farming
Eg-intensive subsistence agriculture, mixed farming
 Extensive farming
Eg-nomadic herding, shifting cultivation.
 Subsistence farming
Eg- nomadic herding, shifting cultivation.
  Commercial agriculture
Eg-commercial grain farming, mixed farming
6, discuss in brief commercial grain farming and dairy farming?
Ans- In commercial grain farming, grains are entirely grown for
commercial purposes. This type of farming is usually done on a
large scale. Wheat and maize are common commercially grown
grains. These farms are generally found in areas of low
population density. These are scientifically managed modern
farms. Extensive agriculture is practiced on these farms. With
the help of machines, operations like sowing, threshing, and
harvesting are carried out. A few people are able to manage a
large farm. Major areas where commercial grain farming is
practiced are temperate grasslands of North America, Europe,
and Asia. In India, it is practiced in the states of Punjab and
Haryana.
7, what is subsistence farming? Discuss the types of subsistence
farming?
Ans- Subsistence agriculture is the most basic form of
agriculture. It has been in practice since the primitive age. It is
basically practiced meeting the requirements and needs of the
farmers and their families. Subsistence farming can be further
classified as intensive subsistence farming and primitive
subsistence farming. In intensive subsistence agriculture,
maximum usage of minimum land is done. The farmer
cultivates a small plot of land using simple tools and more
labour.the major crops grown are sugar cane cotton rice wheat.
Primitive Subsistence Agriculture This type of agriculture
includes nomadic herding and shifting cultivation
Nomadic Herding: Nomadic herding is the most common type
of herding practiced by nomads, who wander from place to
place in search of grazing pastures and water for their animals,
The main areas where nomadic herding is practiced are semi-
arid and arid regions of Sahara, central Asia (Mongolia) and
several parts of India like Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan.
(Nomadic herders carry their belongings such as utensils,
bedding, and tents on the back of donkeys, horses, camels, and
carts. This type of movement arises in response to climate
constraints and terrain. Nomadic tribes earn money by selling
the products that they make from the skin, hair, or bones of the
animals. They rear animals like yaks, camels, sheep, and goats.
Shifting agriculture: - Shifting cultivation is mostly practiced by
tribal people living in hilly or forested regions. India Shifting
cultivators are mostly found in tropical forests. The practice of
this method promotes deforestation, because to clear a patch
of forest land, tribals burn down the trees and bushes. In some
parts of the world, it is also termed as slash and burn
agriculture. Cultivation is carried on by primitive tools. Major
crops grown are beans, maize, millets, and some tuber crops.
After two to three years, the soil loses its fertility and becomes
unproductive. Then, the farmer shifts to another part of land.
8, why should we discourage shifting Agri culture?
Ans- Shifting cultivation is banned because its practice is largely
harmful for forests. Usually, forests are burnt in order to make
way for new farmland, and this can cause uncontrollable forest
fires.
9, why are low lying lands more suitable for agriculture than
hilly are?
Ans- In general, flat areas receive more sunlight than hilly areas
because there are fewer obstructions between plants and the
sun’s rays that could block them from reaching their leaves.
TheA region's landform significantly impacts the agricultural
activities that can be done there. It determines how much
water is available to irrigate crops and how much rainfall will be
received by different parts of a country. It affects agriculture
because it determines if an area will be wetter or drier than
another area and if a farmer wants to grow certain crops.