Cultivating Self-Sufficiency with Subsistence Farming in India

Table of Contents 

• Understanding Subsistence Farming in India
• How is Subsistence Farming Practiced in India?
• What are the Key Characteristics of Subsistence Farming?
• What are the Different Types of Subsistence Farming?
  • Primitive Subsistence Farming
  • Intensive Subsistence Farming
• What are the Advantages of Subsistence Farming?
• What are the Disadvantages of Subsistence Farming?
• What is the Difference between Subsistence and Commercial Farming?

Understanding Subsistence Farming in India

India is primarily an agricultural economy with 80% of farmers being small farmers. These farmers with less than 2 hectares practice farming on small patches of land for their self-consumption. It is this type of farming which is known as subsistence farming. In this farming method, the agricultural produce is just enough to meet the consumption needs of self or family. Herein, there is no surplus left to be sold in the market.

Subsistence farming is on the opposite spectrum of commercial farming. Farmers indulge in subsistence farming to produce food on small-scale farms, mainly for their own consumption. On the other hand, commercial farming is practiced on a large scale to produce crops and sell them in the market to earn money. 

How is Subsistence Farming Practiced in India? 

Farmers involved in subsistence farming do not generally use advanced machinery and tools. They use traditional tools, and farm implements for land preparation and harvesting the crops. Thus, it is a highly labour-intensive and time-consuming method of farming. In this method, farmers cultivate different types of crops to be self-sufficient. Examples of subsistence farming crops include wheat, pulses, maize, rice and cereals.  

Most of the family members take part in this farming method. Thus, it is also known as family farming. Irrigation involves water supply from local reservoirs like ponds. Usually, rainfall is the major source of irrigation in subsistence farming. Whatever food is grown gets consumed by the family, and there is no surplus to sell on the market. 

What are the Key Characteristics of Subsistence Farming? 

Subsistence farming comes with a range of unique characteristics that make it different from other farming methods. These are:

• Diversified Farming: A variety of crops are grown by subsistence farmers. It includes different fruits, cash crops and vegetables. These farmers also prefer staple crops like wheat, maize and rice.  
• Small Landholdings: One of the unique features is farming on small and scattered landholdings. The landholdings are usually less than 2 acres. Subsistence farming is practiced in small plots of land, which are typically under two hectares.
• Adoption of Intensive Farming Technique: In this method, farmers usually adopt intensive farming techniques so that small areas can provide maximum yield.
• Low-input Agriculture: Farmers rely on traditional farming methods, which involve the use of low-cost input and primitive tools. These include inputs like animal & organic manure and agricultural tools like hoes & sickles.
• Limited Use of Modern Methods: In this farming method there is limited use of modern methods like High Yield Varieties seed, chemical fertilizers, and tractors.  Thus, the productivity is also low.
• Labour Intensive: Most of the work is done manually, which is also time-consuming. Family members are the common workers in the field. 
• Livestock Rearing: Farmers are hugely dependent on livestock for most tasks on and off the field. They not only plough the fields but also act as a transportation medium. Also, their manure is a rich source of nutrients for the soil.  

What are the Different Types of Subsistence Farming? 

Subsistence farming can be practiced using different methods based on local conditions and resources. 

Primitive Subsistence Farming 

Primitive Subsistence agriculture involves the cultivation of small patches of land. Family members or community labour are employed to grow crops using non-modern tools like dao and digging sticks. Several environmental factors, such as natural soil fertility and monsoons, impact this farming method.

Primitive subsistence farming is further classified into shifting cultivation and nomadic herding.

Shifting cultivation or ‘slash and burn’ farming involves first clearing the land by cutting and burning trees, and then, mixing the ashes with the soil. Crops like potatoes, cassava and maize are grown. When the soil turns infertile over the years, farmers move to a new patch of land for cultivation. In north-eastern states like Nagaland, Meghalaya and Assam, this method is also known as jhumming. 

Nomadic herding is another type of primitive subsistence farming method. Farmers raise livestock like goats, sheep and cattle and move with them from place to place to find water and pasture. These animals provide several products like hides, wool, meat and milk to the herders.  

Intensive Subsistence Farming 

In this method of farming, farmers grow crops on small land with the help of more labour and simple tools. It is usually practiced in regions with intense pressure on land due to the high population. Irrigation and more biochemical inputs are used to obtain higher yields. 

The main crop grown using this method is rice, while other examples include oilseeds, pulses, maize, and wheat. Farmers can grow more than one type of crop in a year if there is fertile soil and a sunny climate. They do not have alternative livelihood sources, so they exploit the limited land for maximum output.  

What are the Advantages of Subsistence Farming? 

Subsistence farming is a key agricultural practice even though farmers are taking up commercial agriculture on a large scale. The following are the key advantages of subsistence farming in India: 

• Farmers are mostly dependent on organic manure to help maintain soil fertility. Using organic manure is an integral element of sustainable agriculture.  
• This farming method is inexpensive as it does not demand high-cost input or modern machinery. Thus, it becomes a viable option for small farmers with limited resources. 
• Food security is ensured by subsistence farming for small farmers and their families. They get fresh food throughout the year. 
• Self-sufficiency is promoted by this farming method as it allows farmers to meet their own food needs. It reduces risks related to market fluctuations and offers more control over crop production. 
• The foundation of subsistence farming is traditional knowledge and practice. Using these practices and knowledge by different generations helps preserve the culture of the region. 

What are the Disadvantages of Subsistence Farming? 

While subsistence agriculture has some advantages, it also has certain disadvantages. These are: 

• Loss of soil fertility and land degradation 
• Lack of access to resources and markets 
• Low productivity due to traditional farming practices 
• Lack of surplus limits the income of farmers 
• Limited scope for crop diversification  

What is the Difference between Subsistence and Commercial Farming?

We have deeply analyzed every aspect of subsistence farming; however, to understand it better in today’s agricultural context, let’s draw a comparison between Subsistence Farming and Commercial Farming:

Even though subsistence farming offers many ecological benefits, attention must also be paid to its demerits. Promoting modern farming practices and access to credit and the market is important to improve subsistence farming. These steps will go a long way to improve the productivity and income of small farmers.