Question

Differentiate between subsistence farming and commercial farming.

Answer 1

Sr. No.	Feature	Subsistence farming	Commercial farming
1.	Primary Goal	The main objective is to provide food for the farmer’s family with little to no surplus for sale.	The primary goal is to sell the produce in the market for a financial profit.
2.	Land Size	This type of farming is typically practised on small, fragmented patches of land.	It is carried out on large estates or expansive farms, often covering hundreds of acres.
3.	Labour Source	The farmer mostly relies on manual labour provided by family members.	It requires a large number of hired labourers or heavy machinery to manage the workload.
4.	Technology	Farmers use simple, traditional tools like hoes, sickles, and wooden ploughs.	It involves advanced technology, including tractors, combine harvesters, and modern irrigation.
5.	Inputs	Natural fertilisers and traditional seeds are used, resulting in lower overall yields.	High-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilisers, and pesticides are used to maximise output.