What is Intensive Farming in India: Meaning, Characteristics and Benefits
Table of Content
- Introduction
- What is Intensive Farming in India?
- Characteristics of Intensive Farming in India
- Top 5 Benefits of Intensive Farming in India
- Difference between Intensive and Extensive Farming
- Challenges of Intensive Farming in India
- Conclusion
Introduction
Intensive farming or intensive agriculture is a modern agricultural technique that seeks to maximise crop yield with the high use of inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, and farm machinery. In fact, the practice of intensive agriculture set the tone for modernisation of agriculture in India. Green revolution in India is a shining example of intensive farming.
The key characteristics of intensive cultivation are high use of input like capital and labour, high fallow ratio, and high productivity per unit of land. It is an ideal method for densely populated regions like India. In this article, we will discuss what is intensive farming in India, its characteristics, and benefits.
What is Intensive Farming in India?
Intensive farming in India is a type of agriculture that involves using high levels of inputs, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and mechanization, to increase the productivity of the land. The main aim of intensive cropping is to produce high yields of crops per unit of land with modern agricultural tools and techniques.
Today, intensive farming is largely practised in the Indian states of Punjab, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, among others.
Characteristics of Intensive Farming in India
The intensive cropping is characterized by the high use of inputs, high crop yield, mechanization, and large-scale production, among other things. Let us see each feature one by one in this section.
High Use of Inputs
Intensive farming in India requires a high level of inputs, such as fertilizers, tractors and implements to achieve maximum crop output from a given area of land. The use of these inputs helps to increase the productivity of the land, but it also comes with a risk of environmental pollution.
High Crop Yield
The primary aim of intensive farming in India is to produce high yields of crops or livestock in a small area. This is achieved with the use of modern tools and techniques, which help to optimize the use of resources and increase the efficiency of the production process.
Mechanisation
Intensive farming in India heavily relies on mechanization, such as tractors, combine harvesters, and other farm machinery, to improve efficiency and reduce labour costs. This helps to increase the productivity of the land and reduce the time and effort required to complete tasks.
Large-scale Production
Intensive cultivation or intensive cropping is usually carried out on a large scale, with farms producing crops for sale in local markets or for export. This helps to increase the income of farmers and the availability of food for consumers. In fact, intensive farming in a way is commercial farming only.
Top 5 Benefits of Intensive Farming in India
Now let us see the benefits of intensive agriculture in India. Some of the benefits are increased food production, improved food security, higher income for farmers, and increase employment opportunities, among others. Let us see one by one in brief.
Increased Food Production
It helps to increase food production, which is essential for meeting the growing demand for food in the country. This is particularly important in a country like India, where the population is expected to continue growing in the coming years.
Improved Food Security
The second benefit is that it helps improve food security by ensuring that there is a consistent supply of food throughout the year. This is important in a country like India, where food shortages are common, particularly in rural areas.
Higher Income for Farmers
The third benefit is that it helps increase the income of farmers by increasing the productivity of their land and reducing the costs associated with farming. This is particularly important in a country like India, where many farmers struggle to make a living from their land. It is also in sync with government objective of doubling the income of farmers.
Increased Employment Opportunities
The fourth benefit is it helps create employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas where there are few other job opportunities. This helps to reduce unemployment and poverty in these areas.
Increased Exports
It helps to increase the availability of food for export, which can help to increase foreign exchange earnings for the country. This is particularly important in a country like India, where there is a growing demand for food in other countries.
Besides, the intensive agriculture in India has helped improve crop quality, reduced land use to produce same amount of food, lowered prices by increasing the food supply, and improved animal welfare, among others.
Difference between Intensive and Extensive Farming
|
Intensive Farming |
Extensive Farming |
|
The goal is maximising crop yield and production. |
The goal is utilising large areas of land. |
|
It is often practised on large scale farms. |
It is practised typically on large areas of land. |
|
It requires high use of external inputs like fertilisers and pesticides. |
It requires minimal use of external inputs. |
|
It relies on modern technologies and machineries. |
It relies on natural resources and traditional methods. |
|
It has mechanised and automated process. |
It requires manual labour and traditional farming techniques. |
|
The environmental impact of this type of farming is higher. |
The environmental impact is low due to extensive use of land. |
|
The production is done for market as a result there is surplus production for sale. |
The production is not market oriented and the focus is on self- sufficiency. |
|
Example: commercial farming |
Example: ranching, nomadic herding, and grazing systems. |
Challenges of Intensive Farming in India
Despite the many benefits of intensive farming in India, there are also several challenges associated with this method of agriculture. These include environmental pollution, land degradation, and health risks, among other things.
Environmental Pollution
It can lead to environmental pollution, particularly if high levels of fertilizers and pesticides are used. This can have negative effects on soil fertility, water quality, and the health of people and animals in the surrounding areas.
Land Degradation
It can also lead to land degradation if the land is not managed properly. This can result in reduced soil fertility, soil erosion, and reduced biodiversity, which can have negative effects on the environment and the productivity of the land.
Health Risks
It can pose health risks to people and animals if high levels of chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides, are used. This can lead to the contamination of food and water, which can have negative effects on human health.
Increased Debt
It can lead to increased debt for farmers if they are unable to manage the costs associated with this method of agriculture. This can result in a cycle of debt that can be difficult to break.
Social Inequality
It can lead to social inequality if small-scale farmers are unable to compete with larger, more mechanized farms. This can result in the concentration of land ownership and the displacement of small farmers from their land.
Conclusion
Intensive farming in India is a modern agricultural technique that has many benefits, including increased food production, improved food security, higher income for farmers, and increased employment opportunities. However, this method of agriculture also has several challenges, including environmental pollution, land degradation, health risks, increased debt, and social inequality. It is important to manage these challenges and ensure that the benefits of intensive farming in India are shared equitably among all stakeholders.
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