Large scale farming refers to an extensive agricultural practice that involves cultivating vast areas of land using modern machinery, advanced technologies, and a large labor force. It is commonly adopted for the mass production of food crops and livestock, often targeted at commercial markets both locally and internationally. This type of farming is prominent in regions with abundant land resources and capital investment, allowing for economies of scale, efficient production, and higher yields. In this blog post, we will study the characteristics of large scale farming, highlight its major benefits, and examine the problems or challenges associated with it, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of this vital agricultural method.
Table Of Contents
- History of large scale agriculture
- Meaning of large scale commercial agriculture
- Characteristics of large scale agriculture
- Types of Large Scale farming
- Crops and Animals Commonly Produced on Large Farms
- Comparison Between Large Scale and Small Scale Farming
- Role of Government and Private Sector in Supporting Large Scale Farming
- Impact of Large Scale Farming on Rural Development
- Advantages of large scale commercial farming
- Disadvantages large scale commercial farming
- Benefits of large scale
- Sustainable Practices in Large Scale Agriculture
- Conclusion
- Revision questions
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.
History and Development of Large Scale Farming
Large scale agriculture has its roots in ancient civilizations, where large tracts of land were cultivated by wealthy landowners using the labor of slaves or hired workers. However, it became more structured and commercially driven during the Agricultural Revolution in Europe, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries, when innovations like mechanized ploughs, crop rotation, and selective breeding began to increase food production on a larger scale. The Industrial Revolution further boosted large scale farming with the invention of tractors, harvesters, and other machines that made it possible to cultivate vast areas of land with fewer workers.
In countries like the Nigeria, United States, Canada, Brazil, and Australia, large scale commercial farming developed rapidly due to the availability of vast fertile lands, investment capital, and advanced technology. These countries became major producers of food crops and livestock for both local consumption and global export.
In Nigeria and other African countries, large scale agriculture began to expand significantly during the colonial period, when cash crops like cocoa, groundnut, cotton, and oil palm were grown on large plantations for export. After independence, efforts to boost food production led to the creation of government-owned large scale farms and agricultural schemes such as Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) and the Green Revolution. In recent years, private investors and agri-businesses have also invested heavily in commercial farming, using modern methods to produce crops and livestock on a larger scale to meet the needs of a growing population.
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.
Types of Large Scale Farming
Large scale agriculture can be practiced in different forms depending on the purpose of production, the type of land, and the climate of the region. Below are the major types of large scale farming:
- Plantation Farming
This involves the cultivation of one major cash crop over a large area, usually for export. Examples include cocoa, oil palm, rubber, tea, and coffee plantations. Plantation farming is common in tropical regions and requires a lot of labor, machinery, and capital. - Commercial Grain Farming
In this system, cereal crops like wheat, maize, barley, and rice are grown on extensive lands, often using advanced machinery. It is commonly practiced in countries like the USA, Canada, and parts of Northern Nigeria where large fields are available. - Mixed Crop-Livestock Farming
This type combines the large scale production of crops and animals on the same farm. Crops like maize and soybeans are grown alongside animals such as cattle, sheep, or poultry. It helps diversify income and make efficient use of land and resources. - Dairy Farming
Large scale dairy farms are established to produce milk and other dairy products using high-yielding breeds and automated systems. It is more common in temperate regions but is growing in Nigeria with improved infrastructure and demand for milk. - Large Scale Poultry Farming
This involves raising thousands of chickens or other birds in intensive systems for egg and meat production. It uses modern equipment like automatic feeders, drinkers, and climate-controlled housing to maximize output. - Ranching
Ranching is the large scale rearing of animals, especially cattle, on open grazing lands. It is common in dry areas with vast grasslands and is used primarily for beef production.
Each type of large scale agriculture has its own management system, capital needs, and production goals, but all aim at producing large quantities of agricultural goods efficiently.
Crops and Animals Commonly Produced on Large Farms
Large farms are designed to produce high volumes of agricultural products, often focusing on crops and animals that have strong market demand and commercial value. These farms usually specialize in one or a few products to maximize efficiency and profit.
Crops Commonly Grown on Large Farms:
- Cereals: Maize, rice, wheat, and sorghum are grown in large quantities for food, animal feed, and industrial use.
- Legumes: Soybeans and groundnuts are cultivated for oil production, animal feed, and protein-rich food.
- Root and Tuber Crops: Cassava, yam, and potatoes are produced in bulk, especially in tropical regions like Nigeria.
- Cash Crops: Cocoa, oil palm, cotton, sugarcane, coffee, and rubber are grown mainly for export and industrial use.
- Vegetables and Fruits: Tomatoes, onions, pineapples, and bananas are also cultivated commercially, particularly in regions with irrigation systems.
Animals Commonly Raised on Large Farms:
- Cattle: Raised for beef and milk on ranches or commercial dairy farms.
- Poultry: Chickens, turkeys, and ducks are kept in thousands for eggs and meat in intensive production systems.
- Sheep and Goats: Common in large herds for meat, milk, and hides, especially in semi-arid regions.
- Pigs: Raised for pork under controlled conditions with modern feeding and breeding systems.
- Fish: In commercial aquaculture systems, species like catfish and tilapia are farmed for mass consumption.
These crops and animals are selected for their high yield, profitability, and suitability to mechanised farming and large-scale management.
Comparison Between Large Scale and Small Scale Farming
| Feature | Large Scale Farming | Small Scale Farming |
|---|---|---|
| Farm Size | Large areas of land, often hundreds or thousands of hectares | Small plots of land, usually less than 5 hectares |
| Capital Requirement | Requires large capital investment | Requires low to moderate capital |
| Labour Use | Uses more machinery and fewer manual workers | Depends heavily on family and hired manual labour |
| Technology | Highly mechanised with modern equipment | Low level of mechanisation, often uses basic tools |
| Production Output | High volume of produce intended for commercial markets | Low to moderate output mainly for subsistence or local sale |
| Type of Crops/Animals | Specialised crops and animals selected for profit | Mixed crops and livestock for family consumption |
| Management System | Professionally managed, sometimes with trained staff | Managed by individuals or family members |
| Access to Market | Has good access to national and international markets | Often limited to local or rural markets |
| Purpose | Mainly for profit and commercial sales | Mainly for household use with little surplus |
| Infrastructure and Inputs | Uses advanced infrastructure, irrigation, fertilisers, etc. | Limited infrastructure and minimal use of inputs |
Role of Government and Private Sector in Supporting Large Scale agriculture
Large scale farms requires significant investment, infrastructure, and expertise, and both the government and the private sector play vital roles in supporting its growth and sustainability.
Role of the Government:
The government supports large scale farming by creating policies and programs that encourage agricultural development. One of its major roles is the provision of agricultural subsidies, such as subsidised fertilisers, improved seeds, and farm machinery to reduce production costs for farmers. Governments also invest in infrastructure like rural roads, irrigation systems, power supply, and storage facilities, which are essential for large farm operations.
Additionally, the government provides credit schemes and grants through agricultural banks and cooperative societies to help commercial farmers access funding. It also plays a key role in research and extension services, helping farmers access modern techniques, pest control strategies, and improved crop varieties. Through regulatory agencies, the government enforces quality standards and provides support for export and marketing.
Role of the Private Sector:
The private sector contributes through investment in commercial farms, agro-processing industries, and input supply businesses. Many large farms in Nigeria and other developing countries are funded and managed by private individuals or agribusiness companies. These entities often bring in technology, innovation, and expertise, which help increase productivity.
Private companies also provide machinery rental services, farm inputs (like fertilisers and seeds), and technical training to farmers. In some cases, they partner with governments in public-private initiatives to develop agricultural clusters, farm settlements, and value chains that support large scale production. The private sector also facilitates access to domestic and international markets for farm produce through logistics, processing, and export services.
Together, both sectors play complementary roles in ensuring that large scale farming thrives, creates jobs, improves food security, and contributes to economic growth.
Impact of Large Scale Farming on Rural Development
Large scale farms has a significant influence on the development of rural areas, especially in regions where agriculture is the main source of livelihood. One of the most direct impacts is the creation of employment opportunities. Large farms require a variety of workers, including machine operators, farmhands, security personnel, drivers, and administrative staff. This helps reduce rural unemployment and improves household incomes.
The presence of commercial farms often leads to the development of rural infrastructure, such as roads, electricity, storage facilities, and water supply systems. These improvements benefit not only the farm but also the surrounding communities, making it easier for rural dwellers to access markets, schools, and health centers.
Large farms also contribute to market expansion and economic activity by increasing demand for local goods and services such as food, clothing, transport, and housing. In many cases, they encourage the growth of agro-processing industries, which add value to farm produce and create even more jobs.
Furthermore, large scale commercial farming helps in skills transfer and knowledge sharing, as farmers and workers are exposed to modern agricultural practices, machinery handling, and farm management techniques. This exposure promotes agricultural education and can inspire nearby small scale farmers to adopt better methods.
However, to ensure the impact is positive and inclusive, it is important that large farms engage with local communities, protect their rights, and invest in environmentally sustainable practices.
Environmental Impact of Large Scale Farming
Large scale farms can have both positive and negative effects on the environment. On the positive side, it promotes efficient land use and can reduce pressure on forested areas by concentrating food production on designated farmland. However, it also poses serious environmental risks when not managed properly.
Heavy use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides can lead to soil degradation, water pollution, and loss of beneficial organisms. Continuous use of machines may cause soil compaction and erosion. Large farms sometimes result in deforestation and loss of biodiversity when natural habitats are cleared to make way for crops or livestock. Also, intensive livestock farming can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, affecting the climate.
To reduce these negative impacts, sustainable practices like crop rotation, organic farming, and precision agriculture should be encouraged.
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 and study about – land Tenure System, advantages and Disadvantages
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.
Sustainable Practices in Large Scale Agriculture
Sustainable practices in large scale agriculture are methods that increase productivity while protecting the environment and conserving natural resources for future use. One important practice is crop rotation, which involves growing different crops on the same land in sequence to maintain soil fertility and reduce pest buildup.
Precision agriculture uses technology such as GPS, sensors, and drones to apply water, fertilisers, and pesticides only where needed, reducing waste and environmental harm. Agroforestry is another method that integrates trees with crops or livestock to improve biodiversity, soil structure, and microclimate.
The use of organic fertilisers like compost and manure helps maintain soil health without polluting water sources. Cover cropping and mulching help control weeds, prevent erosion, and retain moisture in the soil. Also, efficient water management systems, such as drip irrigation, ensure crops get enough water without overuse or runoff.
By adopting these sustainable practices, large scale farms can remain productive while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and supporting long-term agricultural development.
Revision Questions
- What is large scale agriculture and how does it differ from small scale farming?
- Briefly describe how large scale agriculture developed in Nigeria.
- Mention and explain three types of large scale farming.
- List five crops commonly produced on large farms.
- Give four examples of animals raised in large scale farming systems.
- Highlight three major characteristics of large scale agriculture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, large scale agriculture remains a dominant approach to modern agricultural production, especially in regions aiming to meet the demands of a growing population. This system, commonly referred to as commercial farming, supports food security, economic development, and global trade by utilizing advanced technologies and large tracts of land.
Despite its many benefits, commercial farming also faces critical issues such as environmental strain, high operational costs, and social impacts like rural displacement. To ensure sustainability, there is a growing need for policies and practices that promote environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and fair land use.
A solid understanding of the features, advantages, and challenges of commercial farming empowers stakeholders to implement solutions that foster productivity while maintaining ecological balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main difference between large scale and subsistence farming?
Large scale agriculture involves the use of modern machinery, large plots of land, and high-output production aimed at commercial markets, while subsistence farming is practiced on a small scale with traditional tools, primarily to feed the farmer’s family.
2. Why is large scale agriculture important for economic development?
Large scale farms boosts food production, provides employment, supports agro-industries, and contributes significantly to a country’s GDP through exports and local market supply.
3. What are some common crops grown in large scale agriculture?
Common crops include maize, wheat, rice, cotton, cocoa, oil palm, sugarcane, and soybeans, depending on the region’s climate and soil type.