LECTURE 2 TYPES AND SYSTEMS OF FARMING SYSTEM

LECTURE – 2 TYPES AND SYSTEMS OF FARMING SYSTEM AND FACTORS AFFECTING TYPES OF FARMING

Types of farming system 1. Based on nature and purpose of farming Ø Subsistence farming: Entire production is for family consumption Ø Commercial farming: Entire surplus is to sell in the market Ø Intensive farming (Maximum output per unit of land): The farms are usually small wherein high inputs of money, labour or technology is used to achieve high output or yield from unit area of land. Ø Extensive farming: It is practiced in large patches of land. Ø Plantation farming: It is the farming in estates where single cash crop is grown for sale

According to cultivation Ø Collective farming- Direct collection of plant products from non-arable land. Ø Cultivation farming- Farmers cultivates the land for growing crops and rearing livestock. According to size of farm Ø Small scale farming: Farming done on small size of holding and other factors of production are small in quantity and scale of production is also small. Ø Large scale farming: Farming done on large size holding with large amount of capital, large labour force, large organisation and large risk.

According to value of produce Ø Intensive cultivation: Land remains fixed while other factors are increased Ø Extensive cultivation : More area can be brought under cultivation to increase the output

According to value of the produce and income Ø Specialized farming: Farm in which 50% or more income of total crop production is derived from a single crop Ø Diversified farming: Farm in which no enterprise is contributing to 50% or more income Ø Mixed farming: Combination of crop with rearing of livestock where at least 10% of its gross income must be from livestock activity.

Indigenous farming system: Ø Shifting cultivation : It refers to farming system in North-Eastern areas in which land under vegetation is cleared by slash and burn method. Traditionally, fallow period is 10 -20 years but in recent times it is reduced to 2 -5 years. Ø Taungya cultivation: Scientifically managed shifting cultivation Originated from Myanmar Growing annual arable crops along with the forestry species during early years of establishment Ø Zabo cultivation : Zabo means impounding of water. Usually it is practiced in Nagaland. Rain water is collected in ponds and cultivation fully depends on amount of water stored in pond. It is practiced in hill tops where terraces cannot be constructed.

• FACTORS AFFECTING TYPES OF FARMING 1. Natural resources and climate 2. Science and technology 3. Trade liberalisation and market development 4. Policies, institutions and the public good 5. Information and human capital 6. Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK)

• Natural resources and climate: • Interaction of natural resources, climate and population determines the physical basis for farming system • Increased variability of climate and thus agricultural productivity substantially increases the risks faced by farmer thus reducing investment and input use

2. Science and technology: • Appropriate technology for different agro-climatic conditions and local needs of the people determine the farming system in that region • During last 4 -5 years investment in agriculture science and technology expanded resulting in technical and institutional reforms • Present day research is much focussed intensifying crop and livestock production

3. Trade liberalization and market development Ø Marketing and processing are basic two prerequistes for promoting IFS under given agroecological conditions. Ø If market for alternative produce from IFS is assured then farmers are motivated to diversify farming. 4. Policies, Institutions and the public good Ø Policy framework of government for rural infrastructure transport, irrigation, storage facilities, processing providing andincentives to the farmers encourages agricultural diversification. Ø Dynamic farming system requires a conducive policy environment.

5. Information and Human capital Ø Evolution of farming system based on increasing specialization or integrated intensification requires extra knowledge on the part of farm operators. Ø This shows that there is a need of better information and enhanced human capital is increasing. 6. Indigenous Technical Knowledge • ITK is that which people in a given community have developed over time and continue to develop. • It is based on experience, often tested over longer periods of use and thereby lays emphasis on minimising risks rather than maximizing profits.