Question 11:Describe the main characteristics of Intensive Subsistence Agriculture. In which parts of the world this type of agriculture is
practiced?
The correct answer is – Intensive subsistence agriculture is a type of farming in which farmers cultivate a small plot of land using a high amount of labor, inputs, and tools to maximize the yield from their crops. Here are some of the main characteristics of intensive subsistence agriculture:
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Small landholdings: Intensive subsistence agriculture is typically practiced on small plots of land that are owned or rented by individual farmers. These plots are usually less than 2 hectares in size, and farmers work hard to make the most of the available space.
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High labor input: Intensive subsistence agriculture requires a significant amount of manual labor, as farmers work to prepare the soil, plant and tend to crops, and harvest the produce. Family labor is often used, and many farmers do not have the resources to hire additional workers.
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Multiple crops: In order to maximize the yield from their small plots of land, farmers often plant multiple crops each year. This may involve rotating crops or planting different varieties of crops at different times, depending on the local growing conditions.
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Use of irrigation and fertilizers: Intensive subsistence agriculture often involves the use of irrigation to supplement rainfall, as well as the application of fertilizers and other inputs to enhance the productivity of the soil.
Intensive subsistence agriculture is practiced in many parts of the world, particularly in regions with high population densities and limited arable land. Some of the regions where this type of agriculture is prevalent include:
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South and Southeast Asia: Intensive subsistence agriculture is widely practiced in countries like India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and the Philippines, where population densities are high and the majority of the population is engaged in agriculture.
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Sub-Saharan Africa: In many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, farmers practice intensive subsistence agriculture on small plots of land using traditional methods and tools.
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Latin America: In some parts of Latin America, particularly in rural areas, farmers engage in intensive subsistence agriculture to grow crops like maize, beans, and potatoes.