Question

Write important features of primitive subsistence farming

Answer 1

Features of primitive farming are:

1) The sites for primitive subsistence agriculture is usually the forest areas especially hilly slope for better drainage. Tools like hoe, dao and digging sticks are used by the farmers to promote plant growth.

2) It is also known as ‘slash-and-burn agriculture’ because forests are cleared by burning  them to ashes. These ashes are treated as natural manure. 

3) ‘Field rotation’ is practiced instead of  ‘crop rotation’. When there is exhaustion of soil nutrients, the land is abandoned and new forest area is cleared for farming.  

4) Only few crops are raised. The main crops grown are maize or corn, 

Answer 2

Explanation:

Features of primitive subsistence farming were:-

(i) This type of farming is practised on small patches of land with the help of primitive tools like hoe, dao and digging sticks and family labour.

(ii) This type of farming depends upon Monsoons, natural fertility of soil and environmental suitability.

(iii) It is a ‘slash and burn’ agriculture. Farmers clear a patch of land and produce crops for their sustenance.

(iv) When the soil fertility decreases, farmers shift to new area, clear forest by burning and again sow crops.