Introduction to Intensive and Extensive Farming
Farming plays a crucial role in food production and economic development. Two major agricultural methods—intensive farming and extensive farming—differ in their use of land, labor, capital, and inputs. Intensive farming focuses on maximising yield per hectare through high input use, including fertilizers, pesticides, and modern technology. In contrast, extensive farming relies on large land areas with minimal inputs and lower labor requirements. Understanding these differences helps determine the most suitable farming method based on regional factors, population density, and resource availability.
What are the Difference Between Intensive and Extensive?
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FAQs on Intensive Vs. Extensive Farming: Key Differences & Comparison
1. What is the difference between intensive and extensive farming?
Intensive farming uses high inputs like labor, fertilizers, and technology to maximize yield per hectare, while extensive farming relies on large land areas with minimal inputs and lower productivity per unit area.
2. How does intensive farming differ from extensive farming in terms of land usage?
Intensive farming is practiced on small but highly productive and costly land areas, whereas extensive farming covers large, inexpensive lands with lower yield per hectare.
3. Intensive farming vs. extensive farming: Which one is more sustainable?
Extensive farming is more sustainable as it uses fewer chemicals and causes less soil degradation, while intensive farming often leads to environmental issues due to excessive pesticide and fertilizer use.
4. What are the key differences between intensive and extensive farming in terms of output?
Intensive farming produces higher output per hectare due to high-input farming techniques, whereas extensive farming yields less per unit area but can still generate significant total production across large lands.
5. Intensive farming vs. extensive farming: Which is more labor-intensive?
Intensive farming requires more labor for crop management, irrigation, and fertilization, while extensive farming relies more on machinery and requires fewer workers per hectare.
6. How do intensive and extensive farming differ in terms of profitability?
Intensive farming can be more profitable due to high yields, but it requires significant investment. Extensive farming has lower production costs and can be profitable when large land areas are cultivated.
7. What is the main distinguishing factor between intensive and extensive farming?
The main distinguishing factor is input usage—intensive farming relies on high inputs (labor, fertilizers, and technology) for maximum yield, whereas extensive farming depends on vast land areas with minimal input use.
8. Intensive farming vs. extensive farming: Which is better for food security?
Intensive farming is better for food security as it maximizes yield per unit area, ensuring a stable food supply, while extensive farming produces lower yields per hectare but covers vast areas.
9. What are the distinguishing features of extensive farming compared to intensive farming?
Extensive farming uses large, inexpensive land areas, requires fewer chemical inputs, and is more environmentally friendly, while intensive farming is input-heavy and focuses on maximizing production.
10. Intensive farming vs. extensive farming: Which is more common in densely populated areas?
Intensive farming is more common in densely populated regions where land is limited and high productivity is needed, while extensive farming is practiced in areas with abundant land and lower
