Question

What do you mean by subsistence agriculture? Explain its two types.

Answer 1

Subsistence agriculture is one in which the farming areas consume all of the products that are locally grown. It is of two types:

• Primitive Subsistence Agriculture: It is also called shifting cultivation. Under this vegetation is cleared by fire and land is used for cultivation. These ashes add to the fertility of the soil and hence, it is also called slash and burn agriculture.
• Intensive Subsistence Agriculture: Under this type of farming, landholdings are very small and farmers work with the help of family labour leading to intensive use of land with limited use of machinery.