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, 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”.