Question

1. Refer to the picture given above, identify the farming method used. What are the crops cultivated by this method?
2. List two of its main features.
3. How does this method of farming differ from subsistence farming?
4. With the help of an example of an area where this farming is practised explain how is beneficial to the farmer.

Answer 1

(a)

1. Method: Commercial (mechanised) farming. It involves large-scale cultivation using heavy machinery such as combine harvesters.
2. Crops: Mainly large-acreage cereals and cash crops grown for the market, such as wheat, rice, and maize.

(b)

1. Large-Scale Mechanisation: Intensive use of modern farm machinery like tractors and combine-harvesters.
2. Market-Oriented Production: Crops are raised primarily for sale in the market (monoculture) using High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds and chemical inputs.

(c)

1. Purpose: Commercial farming produces crops for sale and profit. Subsistence farming produces crops mainly for the farmer’s family consumption.
2. Scale & Inputs: Commercial farms are large, capital-intensive, and highly mechanised. Subsistence farms are small, labour-intensive, and rely on traditional methods.

(d)

1. Example Area: Punjab and Haryana in India. These regions practice commercial cereal farming (wheat and rice) using HYV seeds, modern irrigation, and heavy machinery.
2. Benefits to the Farmer:
   • Higher crop yields due to better inputs.
   • Larger surpluses to sell in open markets.
   • Increased cash income and profits.
   • Lower per-unit labour costs through mechanisation.