Types of Agriculture Systems

Agriculture in Underdeveloped Regions

This occurs in underdeveloped countries. It has low productivity, just enough for consumption. Rudimentary agricultural tools are used; modern machinery or chemical fertilizers are not used.

Slash-and-Burn Agriculture

• Occurs in equatorial or tropical rainforest climates where there is dense vegetation. The farmer fells the forest, slashes, and then burns it to clear a small patch for cultivation. Crops are grown in the small plot, fertilized with ash, using simple tools to produce food for home consumption. As the land is exhausted, the farmer leaves and clears another part of the forest, starting the process again. This is thus a shifting cultivation. This agricultural technique is considered a form of sustainable agriculture. It does not cause permanent deforestation, and the forest regenerates quickly.

Triennial Rotation

• Consists of leaving land fallow (uncultivated) to prevent soil exhaustion. It is a traditional technique that divides the parcel into three parts. Two different crops are grown in two parts of the plot, and the third is left fallow. Each year, crops and the fallow section are rotated. It occurs in underdeveloped areas where chemical fertilizers are not used. The rotation is completed in the third year.

Plantation Agriculture

• Is a commercial agriculture system occurring in developing countries. Large areas of land are used to grow a single crop. The aim is to produce the largest possible surplus. Uses complex machinery, fertilizers, pesticides, and a large, low-paid labor force. These plantations often belong to large multinational corporations. Main plantation products include cocoa, tea, coffee, cotton, bananas, etc. A country may lack basic food security yet be a major producer of these cash crops.

Commercial Agriculture

This occurs in developed countries. Uses advanced machinery, chemical fertilizers, complex irrigation techniques, and pesticides. It aims to achieve surpluses for sale and marketing. Commercial agriculture is based on the principles of supply and demand. Profit is the primary goal. The goal is not simply maximum production, but adjusting supply to demand to ensure competitive prices and profitability. Sometimes, crops are destroyed or burned to balance supply and demand.

Agriculture in the European Union

• To avoid excessive competition among member countries, the European Union sets production quotas for each agricultural product. Each country cannot exceed its production quota. Exceeding the quota results in a fine. The European Union subsidizes certain cash crops considered strategic to preserve farming.