Types of Agriculture Based on Production

Today, there are two divisions of agriculture; subsistence, and commercial agriculture.

Let’s take a look at both types of agriculture.

Subsistence Agriculture:

Subsistence farming is defined as the type of agriculture that is concerned with the production of food for the farmers and their families. It is a system of farming whereby a farmer cultivates crops and rears animals in order to produce food for use by himself and his family only.

Features of Subsistence Farming:

The features of subsistence farming include the following:

• It requires a small area of land.
• The yield obtained from such small farming is low.
• Implements like cutlasses, hoes, axes, etc. are usually used.
• It requires small capital to operate.
• Food crops are mainly grown like rice, maize, etc.

Commercial Agriculture:

Commercial agriculture, otherwise known as agribusiness, is a cropping method in which crops and livestock are produced in large quantities for sale. In commercial agriculture, crops that are in high demand, that is, crops that need to be exported to other countries, or used as raw materials in industries, are mainly produced.

Features of Commerical Farming:

The features of commercial farming include the following:

• It requires large capital.
• The yield obtained from commercial farming is high.
• Uses modern technology.
• It uses agrochemicals such as fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, weed killers, and so on.
• Crops are grown on huge farms.
• It makes use of hired/paid and skilled labour.