The content is just an excerpt from the complete note for SS 1 First Term Agricultural Science Lesson Note – Subsistence and Commercial Agriculture. Check below to download the complete PDF
Meaning of Subsistence and Commercial Agriculture:Â
Basically, agriculture is of two types. All farms are not the same. Some are rich while others are poor; some have large areas of land while others have very limited land space. The differences among all farmers categorized agriculture into two major types. These are subsistence and commercial agriculture
- Subsistence(farming) Agriculture: This is the type of agriculture whereby a farmer cultivates soil and rears animals in order to produce food enough to feed himself and his family, with little or none for sale.
- Commercial(farming) Agriculture: This is the type of farming which involves the production of cash crops and animals in large quantity . Food are produced purposely for sale. It His desire is to make maximum profit. It is therefore a profit-oriented venture/enterprise.
Characteristics of Subsistence Agriculture
- Produces purposely for family consumption.
- Small land is used for production
- Farmer and his family members do the labour.
- Simple farm tools like hoe, cutlass, spade, rake etc. are used.
Characteristics of Commercial Agriculture
- Produce purposely for sale to make maximum profit.
- Large area of land is used as a result large-scale production is made.
- Hired and skilled workers are used for labour.
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Sub-topic 2
Difference between Subsistence and Commercial Agriculture.
| SUBSISTENCE AGRICULTURE | COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE |
| • Produces purposely for family consumption
• Small land is required . • Simple farm tools e.g. cutlass, hoe, axe, spade, rake, watering can etc. are used • No need for storage and processing facilities • Low environmental pollution • Agrochemicals are not majorly used
|
• Produces purposely for sale to make profit
• Large area of land is required . •  Modern farm machinery e.g. Bulldozer, tractors, planters, combined harvesters, air craft etc. are used • Processing and storage facilities are required •          High environmental pollution •          Agro-chemicals are majorly used |
