Hello welcome to this blog Post on Large scale Agriculture or Farming. In this blog you will learn the meaning of large scale farming, characteristics, advantages and Disadvantages Of large scale agriculture.
Table Of Contents
- Meaning of large scale commercial agriculture
- Characteristics of large scale farming
- Advantages of large scale commercial farming
- Disadvantages large scale commercial farming
Meaning Of Large Scale Commercial Farming
Meaning: Large Scale Farming also known as commercial agriculture or commercial Farming. This is refers to agricultural practices where extensive areas of land are utilized for cultivation or livestock production. This type of farming typically involves the use of advanced machinery, technology, and modern management techniques to achieve high productivity and efficiency. Large-scale farms aim to meet the demands of a growing population and global markets for food and agricultural products.
Characteristics Of Large Scale Farming In Agriculture
- Sole cropping system of Farming is usually practice.
- It involves the cultivation of large hectares of land.
- It also involves the use of hired labour.
- Most operations of commercial agriculture are mechanized.
- It employs the use of skilled labour.
- Yield or output is usually high.
- Improved varieties of crops and breeds of animals are used.
- Irrigation system may be practiced.
- Records are kept in large scale commercial agriculture.
- Only rich farmers are engaged in large scale commercial agriculture.
- It uses agro-chemical such as fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides.
- It involves huge investment of capital or money.
Benefits Of Large Scale farming or commercial Farming
1. It increases yield: Owing to the fact that a large area of land is cultivated, coupled with the use of chemicals, fertilizers, this system results in increase in the yield of crops.
2. Specialization of labour: Large scale commercial agriculture does not lead to specialization of labour because all operations are mechanized. You can read more about farm mechanisation in my next class [Click Here]
3. Encouragement of research works: Another advantages of Large scale commercial agriculture is that it encourages research works into marketing, production.
4. Provision of cheap products: As a result of mass production of livestock or crops, the sale prices of this products are usually very low and affordable.
5. Provision of Quality Products: Most products obtained from commercial agriculture are generally of high quality.
Problems or Disadvantages of Large Scale Farming / Commercial Farming
There are problems which are usually associated with commercial agriculture, these include:
1. Inadequate supply of improved varieties of crops and animals: That is, inadequate supply of improved varieties of crops and some breed of farm animals.
2. High capital investment: High capital investment on machinery and other inputs makes large scale commercial agriculture very difficult.
3. Unfavorable land Tenure System: Unfavorable land tenure system or land fragmentation does not allow commercial agriculture to be practiced. Read about land Tenure System [Click Here]
4. Inadequate marketing channels: Marketing channels for agricultural produce are grossly inadequate.
5. Inadequate technical know how: Inadequate technical know how on the operation and maintenance of farm machinery make commercial agriculture difficult.
6. High cost of spare Parts: Spare parts for machinery. example; tractors, harvesters, etc are very expensive to purchase.
7. Inadequate processing facilities: Processing facilities for agriculture products from farms are grossly inadequate.
8. Inadequate skilled manpower: The skilled manpower needed to operate commercial agriculture is also in short supply or Not enough.
9. Inadequate credit facilities: Large scale commercial agriculture cannot strive very well as a result of inadequate credit facilities or subsidies available to farmers.
10. Inadequate storage and processing facilities: Processing and storage facilities needed in commercial agriculture are grossly inadequate.
11. Improper application of Farm inputs: Inpute such as fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides used for commercial farming could pose health hazard to man and environment if not properly applied.
12. Displacement of small scale Farmers: The practice of large scale commercial agriculture could lead to the displacement of small scale farming from their land.
13. Unfavorable Government policies: Unfavorable government policies do make commercial agriculture to fail in it’s operations.
14. It can lead to soil erosion: The practice of large-scale farming through the use of heavy machinery can lead to soil erosion.
Revision Questions
- What is large scale agriculture
- What are the characteristics of large scale commercial agriculture
- What are the Advantages of large scale commercial agriculture
- List the Disadvantages of large scale commercial agriculture
In my next class I will be taking you on small scale farming, their different types, characteristics and importance. To join the class [Click Here]