Difference Between Subsistence and Commercial Farming

Agriculture is the highly practised occupation all around the world, i.e. there are a lot of people in this world, who earn their livelihood by growing crops, vegetables, fruits, flowers and rearing of cattle. Based on the geographical conditions, level of technology, the demand for produce, and workers required, there is two major classification of farming, i.e. subsistence farming and commercial farming. In subsistence farming, the farmer is involved in the production of crops for local consumption.

Commercial farming, as it is evident from the name, it is a farming practice in which the farmer and other labours are involved in the production of crops, for commercial purposes. This article excerpt attempts to shed light on the difference between subsistence and commercial farming.

Content: Subsistence Farming Vs Commercial Farming

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Subsistence Farming	Commercial Farming
Meaning	The farming practice in which crops are raised for personal consumption, it is known as subsistence farming.	The farming practice, in which the farmer grows crops for the purpose of trade, it is called commercial farming.
Nature	Labor intensive	Capital intensive
Area	It is practiced in small area.	It is practiced in large area.
Productivity	It is enhanced through the use of manures.	It is enhanced through higher doses of modern inputs.
Crops grown	Food grains, fruits and vegetables	Cash crops and cereals
Method of irrigation	It depends on monsoon.	It uses modern irrigation methods.
Cultivation	Traditional methods are used.	Machines are used.

Definition of Subsistence Farming

The type of agriculture, wherein crop growing and livestock rearing is performed, to fulfil the needs of the farmer and his family, it is called subsistence farming. Before industrialization, there are many people who depend on the subsistence farming to fulfil their needs.

In this farming, there is less use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, the holding size is small and manual labours, which can be the family members of the farmers, help in the process of crop production. The output produced is primarily used for local consumption, with little to no surplus trade. The surplus produced (if any) is sold to nearby markets. The decision of cropping is based on the needs of the family in the coming time and its market price.

Definition of Commercial Farming

Commercial Farming, or otherwise called as agribusiness is a farming method in which the crops are raised, and cattle are reared with the aim of selling the produce in the market, so as to earn money.

In this type of agriculture, a huge amount of capital is invested, and crops are grown on a large scale in huge farms, with the use of modern technology, machines, irrigation methods, and chemical fertilizers. The basic feature of commercial farming is that high doses of modern inputs are used for higher productivity, such as high yielding variety seeds, fertilizers, insecticides, pesticides, weedicides, etc.

In commercial farming, primarily those crops which are in great demand are produced, i.e. the crops which are to be exported to other countries or which are used as raw material in industries. Further, the extent of commercialisation of farming differs from region to region.

Conclusion

By and large, the socio-economic development of all the countries of the world, mainly depends on its agriculture, as it is the source of livelihood to many, as well as it adds to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Indeed, the higher the growth of agriculture in a country, the more its trade and industry will flourish.

Subsistence and Commercial farming are the two types of farming practices. Subsistence agriculture is performed by the farmer for the survival of his own and the person’s dependent on him. On the contrary, commercial agriculture is nothing but an agricultural business, wherein crops are grown for trading purpose.