Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy and plays a vital role in the NABARD Grade A examination. Questions related to farming systems, agricultural practices, and crop cultivation frequently appear in the Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) section. Understanding the different types of farming practiced in India helps candidates build a strong foundation in agriculture-related concepts. From traditional subsistence farming to modern plantation agriculture, each farming system has unique characteristics, benefits, and challenges.
In this article, we have covered all the important types of farming in India along with a free practice quiz PDF containing 50 questions and answers.
Download Types of Farming eBook and Quiz PDF for NABARD Grade A
Understanding the different types of farming is important for the Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) section of the NABARD Grade A exam. Download the Types of Farming eBook and Quiz PDF to learn about subsistence farming, shifting agriculture, intensive farming, extensive farming, plantation farming, mixed farming, dryland farming, wetland farming, and crop seasons in India.
Attempt Types of Farming Practice Quiz
Regular practice is essential for scoring well in the NABARD Grade A ARD section. Attempt the Types of Farming Practice Quiz to test your understanding of various farming systems, their characteristics, major crops, regional practices, and important concepts frequently asked in the examination.
1. Which type of farming is primarily practiced by tribal communities living in forests?
2. What is the local name for Shifting Agriculture in Assam?
3. Which farming method is also known as ‘Industrial Agriculture’?
4. Which of the following is a key characteristic of Subsistence Farming?
5. Plantation Agriculture is primarily confined to which climate zone?
6. Which type of farming involves both crop cultivation and rearing of livestock?
7. Extensive Farming is also called:
8. Which farming type is practiced in semi-arid areas without the aid of irrigation?
9. Which of the following crops is NOT commonly grown in Shifting Agriculture?
10. In which Indian states is Plantation Farming practiced?
11. Which season do Kharif crops belong to?
12. Which of the following is a Rabi crop?
13. What is a major environmental problem caused by Shifting Agriculture?
14. Which type of farming records HIGH production per unit of land?
15. In Extensive Farming, how many crops are generally raised per year?
16. Which countries are associated with the practice of Extensive Farming?
17. Dryland areas in India receive annual rainfall between:
18. What is the name of Shifting Agriculture in Kerala?
19. Which of the following crops is grown under Wetland Farming?
20. Which type of farming involves a single cash crop purely meant for sale?
Quiz Summary
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What is Subsistence Farming?
Subsistence farming is one of the most common farming practices in India. In this system, farmers cultivate crops mainly to meet the needs of their families, and only a small surplus is sold in local markets. The farms are generally small and fragmented, and farming activities are carried out using traditional methods with limited use of machinery and modern inputs. Family members contribute most of the labor, making it a labor-intensive farming system.
| Feature | Details |
| Purpose | Family consumption and local sale |
| Farm Size | Small and fragmented |
| Labor | Mainly family labor |
| Technology | Traditional methods |
| Machinery | Very limited use |
| Inputs | Low use of fertilizers and pesticides |
| Major Crops | Cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetables, sugarcane |
What is Shifting Agriculture?
Shifting agriculture is a traditional farming practice mainly followed by tribal communities in forest regions. In this method, a patch of forest land is cleared by cutting and burning trees. Crops are cultivated on the land for two to three years until soil fertility declines. After that, the land is abandoned, and farmers move to another area for cultivation. Due to its impact on forests and soil erosion, governments have discouraged this practice.
| Aspect | Details |
| Method | Slash-and-burn cultivation |
| Practiced By | Tribal communities |
| Duration | 2–3 years on one plot |
| Major Crops | Dry paddy, maize, millets, vegetables |
| Environmental Impact | Causes soil erosion and deforestation |
| Local Name in Assam | Jhum |
| Local Name in Kerala | Ponam |
| Local Name in Andhra Pradesh | Podu |
| Local Name in Odisha | Podu |
| Local Name in Madhya Pradesh | Bewar, Masha, Penda, Bera |
What is Intensive Farming?
Intensive farming is a modern agricultural system that aims to achieve maximum production from a limited area of land. Farmers use large amounts of labor, capital, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation facilities, and high-yielding variety seeds to increase productivity. This farming method often allows cultivation of more than one crop in a year and produces high yields per hectare.
- Maximum production from limited land.
- High use of labor and capital.
- Multiple cropping possible.
- Heavy use of irrigation facilities.
- Extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides.
- High-yielding variety seeds are used.
- High output per unit of land.
What is Extensive Farming?
Extensive farming is practiced on large agricultural lands where labor and capital investment per hectare are comparatively low. Modern machines perform most farming operations, making it a highly mechanized farming system. While total production may be high because of the large area under cultivation, production per unit area remains relatively low.
| Feature | Details |
| Farm Size | Large |
| Mechanization | High |
| Labor Requirement | Low |
| Capital per Hectare | Low |
| Cropping Pattern | Usually one crop per year |
| Per Unit Yield | Low |
| Common Countries | USA, Canada, Russia, Australia |
What is Plantation Farming?
Plantation farming is a type of commercial agriculture where a single cash crop is grown on a large scale. It is highly organized, capital-intensive, and mainly export-oriented. Plantation crops usually have a life cycle of more than two years and require proper management, transportation, irrigation, and processing facilities.
- Major Plantation Crops
- Tea
- Coffee
- Rubber
- Cocoa
- Coconut
- Spices
- Apple
- Grapes
- Orange
- Major Plantation Farming States in India
- Kerala
- Karnataka
- Assam
- Maharashtra
| Feature | Details |
| Farming Type | Single-crop farming |
| Purpose | Commercial and export |
| Investment | High |
| Management | Professional |
| Crop Duration | More than two years |
| Mechanization | Moderate to high |
What is Mixed Farming?
Mixed farming combines crop cultivation with livestock rearing on the same farm. Farmers grow crops while also raising cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, or pigs. This system provides multiple sources of income and reduces farming risks. It also improves farm sustainability through efficient use of resources.
| Feature | Details |
| Activities | Crop production and animal husbandry |
| Income Source | Multiple |
| Risk Level | Lower |
| Resource Utilization | Better |
| Economic Condition | Generally better for farmers |
What is Dryland Farming?
Dryland farming is practiced in areas with low rainfall and limited irrigation facilities. Farmers cultivate drought-resistant crops and use moisture conservation techniques to maximize production. This farming system plays an important role in India’s food security and agricultural economy.
- Major Dryland Crops
- Gram
- Jowar
- Bajra
- Peas
- Pulses
- Oilseeds
- Cotton
- Major Regions
- Western India
- North-Western India
- Central India
| Feature | Details |
| Rainfall | 500–1200 mm |
| Irrigation | Minimal or absent |
| Climate | Semi-arid |
| Water Management | Moisture conservation |
| Crop Type | Drought-resistant crops |
What is Wetland Farming?
Wetland farming is practiced in areas receiving high rainfall or having abundant irrigation facilities. Crops requiring large amounts of water are grown under this system. The availability of water throughout the growing season supports high agricultural productivity.
- Major Crops
- Major Regions
- Northern India
- North-Eastern India
- Western Ghats region
| Feature | Details |
| Rainfall | High |
| Water Availability | Abundant |
| Irrigation | Well-developed |
| Soil Moisture | High |
| Crop Requirement | Water-intensive crops |
How are crops classified based on seasons in India?
Indian crops are broadly classified into three categories based on the sowing and harvesting seasons. Understanding these crop seasons is extremely important for NABARD Grade A preparation.
| Crop Season | Sowing Period | Harvesting Period | Major Crops |
| Kharif | June–July | October–November | Rice, maize, millets, cotton, groundnut, moong, urad |
| Rabi | October–November | March–April | Wheat, barley, gram, oilseeds |
| Zaid | March–June | Short summer season | Watermelon, cucumber, muskmelon, bitter gourd, pumpkin |
What is the difference between Intensive and Extensive Farming?
Both intensive and extensive farming are important agricultural systems, but they differ significantly in terms of land use, labor, capital, and productivity.
| Basis | Intensive Farming | Extensive Farming |
| Population Density | Dense population areas | Moderately populated areas |
| Land Size | Small | Large |
| Labor Use | High | Low |
| Capital Use | High | Low |
| Mechanization | Moderate | High |
| Output per Hectare | High | Low |
| Market Distance | Near markets | Remote areas |
| Cost of Land | Expensive | Relatively inexpensive |
FAQs
Subsistence farming is one of the most common farming systems in India.
Shifting agriculture is called Jhum in Assam.
Intensive farming aims to achieve maximum production from limited land.
Mixed farming combines crop cultivation and livestock rearing.
The Zaid season falls between Rabi and Kharif.
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