Types of Traditional and Modern Farming Systems

Introduction: Farming systems in India can broadly be classified into Traditional Farming Systems and Modern Farming Systems.

• Traditional farming systems are based on indigenous knowledge, family labor, natural inputs, and subsistence-oriented production.
• Modern farming systems, on the other hand, are technology-driven, resource-intensive, and market-oriented, focusing on higher productivity and profitability.

Both systems coexist in India, reflecting regional diversity in climate, soil, technology, and socio-economic conditions.

Traditional Farming Systems:  Traditional farming systems are ancient, eco-friendly, and low-input farming practices developed through generations. They rely heavily on natural resources and aim at subsistence livelihood rather than commercialization.

Major Types of Traditional Farming Systems in India:

1. Shifting Cultivation (Jhum / Slash and Burn Agriculture)

Definition: A primitive form of agriculture where a patch of forest is cleared by cutting and burning (slash-and-burn), crops are grown for a few years, and the land is then left fallow to regain fertility.

Regions: North-Eastern States (Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh), parts of Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

Characteristics:

• Low productivity and high soil erosion.
• Dependence on rainfall.
• Nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle.
• Crops: Upland rice, maize, millets, pulses, and root crops.

Local Names:

• Jhum – North East India
• Podu – Odisha, Andhra Pradesh
• Bewar – Madhya Pradesh
• Kumari – Western Ghats

2. Taungya Cultivation

Definition: A system in which forest trees and agricultural crops are grown together during the early stages of plantation establishment. It is a form of agroforestry.

Origin: Introduced in Burma (Myanmar) in 1856 and later adopted in India by forest departments.

Regions: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal.

Features:

• Combines forestry with short-term agricultural crops.
• Provides income to farmers during initial years of tree growth.
• Common crops: Maize, pulses, vegetables.
• Trees: Teak, sal, eucalyptus, acacia.

3. Zabo Cultivation

Definition: An indigenous farming system of Nagaland, integrating water harvesting, forestry, animal husbandry, and crop production in a sustainable manner.

Meaning: ‘Zabo’ means impounding of water.

Features:

• Combines rainwater harvesting with soil and water conservation.
• Utilizes natural slopes for channeling water from forest → livestock yard → crop fields.
• Eco-friendly and resource-efficient.

Region: Phek district, Nagaland.

4. Baranaja System

Definition: A traditional mixed and intercropping system of Uttarakhand hills where 12 or more crops (barah = 12, anaj = grains) are grown together on the same piece of land.

Features:

• Ensures food and fodder security.
• Maintains soil fertility and biodiversity.
• Crops: Finger millet, maize, soybean, pulses, oilseeds.

5. Bun Cultivation

Definition: A soil conservation-based traditional system practiced on hill slopes, where bunds or buns are made along contours and crops are grown on them.

Region: Western Ghats and North-Eastern Hills.

Features:

• Reduces erosion.
• Suitable for root crops like turmeric, ginger, and colocasia.

6. Integrated Traditional Systems Many traditional systems combine crops, animals, fish, and trees for sustainability and livelihood:

• Rice–Fish–Duck farming (Assam, Kerala).
• Agro-pastoral systems (Rajasthan, Gujarat).
• Home gardens (Kerala): crops + trees + livestock + poultry in one unit.

ii) Modern Farming Systems: Modern farming systems use scientific knowledge, advanced technology, improved inputs, and mechanization to increase productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

1. Intensive Farming System

Definition: A system where maximum output is obtained from limited land through the use of high-yielding varieties (HYVs), fertilizers, irrigation, and modern equipment.

Regions: Punjab, Haryana, Western U.P., Tamil Nadu.

Features:

• High input and high output system.
• Often associated with Green Revolution.
• Focused on food grain production (wheat, rice).
• Environmental concerns: soil degradation, pesticide residues.

2. Extensive Farming System

Definition: A system where large land areas are cultivated with low labor and input intensity.

Regions: Rainfed and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan, M.P., and Maharashtra.

Features:

• Low productivity per unit area but higher total output due to large area.
• Mainly followed in sparsely populated areas.

3. Organic Farming System

Definition: A system of agriculture that avoids synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, relying instead on organic manures, crop rotations, biofertilizers, and biological pest control.

Regions: Sikkim (India’s first organic state), Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala.

Features:

• Eco-friendly and sustainable.
• Enhances soil health and biodiversity.
• Produces safe and quality food.

4. Precision Farming

Definition: An information and technology-based farming approach that uses GPS, GIS, sensors, and drones to optimize the use of inputs for maximum efficiency.

Features:

• Site-specific nutrient and water management.
• Reduces input cost and environmental impact.
• Enhances productivity and sustainability.

5. Hydroponic and Aeroponic Farming

Definition:

• Hydroponic: Growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions.
• Aeroponic: Growing plants in mist or air environment without soil.

Features:

• Space-efficient and suitable for urban/indoor farming.
• High yield and quality.
• Used for vegetables, herbs, and leafy crops.

6. Integrated Farming System (IFS)

Definition: A modern multienterprise system integrating crop, livestock, fishery, horticulture, poultry, and other enterprises for efficient resource recycling and sustainability.

Features:

• Waste from one enterprise serves as input for another.
• Enhances farm income, employment, and resilience.
• Promotes circular economy in agriculture.

7. Sustainable / Conservation Farming System

Definition: An approach that focuses on long-term resource conservation, maintaining soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance.

Practices:

• Minimum tillage, crop rotation, mulching, and cover cropping.
• Efficient water and nutrient management.

• Comparison Between Traditional and Modern Farming Systems