Primitive Subsistence Farming| Class10 Geogaphy Notes

Primitive subsistence farming, mainly practiced in rural areas, involves basic agricultural techniques. It depends on manual labor and simple tools. Farmers usually grow crops for their consumption rather than for sale. Slash-and-burn and shifting cultivation are common methods. This form of farming is closely related to the natural environment and is sustainable on a small scale. However, it may not support large populations or intensive agricultural production.

In this article, we will look into the meaning of Primitive subsistence farming and its characteristics with examples. It is an important concept of Class 1o geography. Students can go through this article to get comprehensive notes on “Primitive subsistence farming”.

What is Primitive Subsistence Farming?

Primitive subsistence farming is a traditional method still practiced in some parts of India, where small patches of land are cultivated using basic tools like hoes and digging sticks with the help of family or community labor. This type of farming depends on natural factors like monsoon rainfall, soil fertility, and environmental conditions for crop cultivation. Farmers practice slash-and-burn agriculture, clearing land for cultivation and moving to new patches as soil fertility declines.

Variants include ‘jhumming’ in the North-East and ‘podu’ in Andhra Pradesh, with similar practices found globally under different names. Despite sustaining livelihoods, it faces challenges like low productivity and soil depletion, highlighting the need for sustainable agricultural practices.

Characteristics of Primitive Subsistence Farming

Characteristics of primitive subsistence farming include:

1. Slash and Burn Agriculture
   • Farmers clear small patches of land and cultivate cereals and food crops to sustain their families.
   • As soil fertility declines, farmers move to a new patch of land, allowing natural processes to replenish soil fertility.
2. Low Productivity: Due to the absence of modern inputs like fertilizers, soil productivity remains low, resulting in modest crop yields.
3. Dependence on Natural Factors: This type of farming depends on monsoon rainfall, natural soil fertility, and environmental suitability for crop growth.
4. Small Land Holdings: Farmers cultivate small patches of land using basic tools and family labour.
5. Sustainable Livelihoods: While sustaining livelihoods, it faces challenges like soil depletion, necessitating sustainable agricultural practices.

Variants of Primitive Subsistence Farming

1. Jhumming in North-Eastern States: Known as ‘jhumming,’ it is practiced in states like Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
2. Other Names and Locations: In Manipur, it is called ‘pamlou,’ ‘dipa’ in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, and ‘podu’ or ‘penda’ in Andhra Pradesh.

Global Names for Slash and Burn Agriculture

• Mexico and Central America: Known as ‘milpa.’
• Venezuela: Referred to as ‘conuco.’
• Brazil: Known as ‘roca.’
• Central Africa: Called ‘masole.’
• Indonesia: Referred to as ‘ladang.’
• Vietnam: Known as ‘ray.’

Variants of Primitive Subsistence Farming in India

• Madhya Pradesh: Known as ‘bewar’ or ‘dahiya.’
• Odisha: Referred to as ‘pama dabi,’ ‘koman,’ or ‘bringa.’
• Western Ghats: Known as ‘kumari.’
• South-Eastern Rajasthan: Called ‘valre’ or ‘waltre.’
• Himalayan Belt: Referred to as ‘khil.’
• Jharkhand: Known as ‘kuruwa.’

Primitive Subsistence Farming Crops

Crops commonly grown in primitive subsistence farming include:

1. Cereals: Such as rice, maize, millet, and sorghum.
2. Pulses: Like lentils, chickpeas, and pigeon peas.
3. Root crops: Including yams, sweet potatoes, and cassava.
4. Vegetables: Such as pumpkin, squash, and various leafy greens.
5. Fruits: Including bananas, papayas, and citrus fruits.
6. Spices: Like turmeric, ginger, and black pepper.
7. Other crops: Depending on local conditions and preferences, farmers may also cultivate crops like cotton, tobacco, and sugarcane.

Difference Between Primitive Subsistence Farming and Intensive Farming

Difference Between Primitive Subsistence Farming and Intensive Farming are:

Characteristic	Primitive Subsistence Farming	Intensive Farming
Land Holdings	Small patches of land	Large-scale farms
Tools and Equipment	Basic tools like hoes and digging sticks	Mechanized equipment and technology
Labor Requirement	Relies on family or community labor	Utilizes hired labor and machinery
Crop Cultivation	Relies on natural factors like monsoon rainfall and soil fertility	Relies on irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides
Productivity	Low productivity due to limited inputs and reliance on natural factors	High productivity due to modern inputs and advanced technology
Environmental Impact	Minimal environmental impact	Potential for environmental degradation due to chemical inputs and monoculture
Economic Scale	Subsistence level	Commercial scale production
Examples	Jhumming in North-East India, Podu in Andhra Pradesh	Industrial agriculture in the United States, Europe, and China

Conclusion – Primitive Subsistence Farming

Primitive subsistence farming, characterized by small land holdings, basic tools, and reliance on natural factors, sustains livelihoods in pockets of India. Practices like slash-and-burn agriculture and shifting cultivation are observed, with variants like ‘jhumming’ and ‘podu’ across regions. While supporting local communities, it faces challenges like low productivity and soil depletion, highlighting the need for sustainable agricultural practices. Despite its limitations, primitive subsistence farming represents a traditional way of life deeply rooted in local cultures and environments.

People Also View:

• Intensive Subsistence Agriculture
• Impact of Sustainable Agriculture and Farming Practices
• Different Types of Farming in India
• Farming System in India

FAQs on Primitive Subsistence Farming

What is primitive subsistence farming?

Primitive subsistence farming is a traditional agricultural practice characterized by small land holdings, basic tools, and reliance on natural factors for crop cultivation.

What is the importance of primitive subsistence farming?

Primitive subsistence farming is crucial for sustaining livelihoods, preserving traditional practices, and ensuring food security in remote areas.

What is the benefit of primitive subsistence farming?

The benefit of primitive subsistence farming lies in its ability to provide sustenance and livelihoods for local communities while maintaining cultural heritage and minimizing environmental impact.

What are the five features of primitive subsistence farming?

Primitive subsistence farming is characterized by small land holdings, reliance on natural factors, slash-and-burn cultivation, limited use of modern inputs, and sustenance of traditional livelihoods.

What is primitive subsistence farming in India?

Primitive subsistence farming in India involves small-scale cultivation using basic tools, relying on natural factors like rainfall, and practicing shifting cultivation to sustain livelihoods in rural communities.