3.2.1.1. Primitive Subsistence Farming, Shifting cultivation & Nomadic herding

Primitive subsistence agriculture includes shifting cultivation and nomadic herding.

Primitive subsistence farming is a basic form of agriculture where farmers grow food primarily for their families. This method includes two significant practices: shifting cultivation and nomadic herding. Farmers using shifting cultivation clear a plot of land for cultivation and, once the soil's fertility decreases, they move on to a new plot. Nomadic herding involves moving livestock from one grazing area to another depending on the availability of pasture and water.

Imagine a family that moves from one home to another every few years to find better soil for their vegetable garden. After a few seasons, the garden's soil may not grow vegetables as well, so they look for a new piece of land. This is similar to shifting cultivation, where farmers move to maintain their crops' health.

Shifting cultivation is practised in the thickly forested areas of Amazon basin, tropical Africa, parts of Southeast Asia, and Northeast India. These are the areas of heavy rainfall and quick regeneration of vegetation. A plot of land is cleared by felling the trees and burning them. The ashes are then mixed with the soil and crops like maize, yam, potatoes, and cassava are grown. After the soil loses its fertility, the land is abandoned and the cultivator moves to a new plot. Shifting cultivation is also known as 'slash and burn' agriculture.

Shifting cultivation involves several steps. First, farmers select a forested area and clear it by cutting down trees. They burn the cleared trees to use the ashes as a natural fertilizer. Next, they plant crops such as maize, yam, potatoes, and cassava. However, after a few years, the soil's nutrients diminish, leading them to abandon that piece of land and move to a new area. The cycle then repeats, allowing the previously cultivated land to recover its fertility.

Think of it like a family that rotates their garden spots. They plant in one area for a while, and when it stops producing vegetables, they take a break and start planting in a different area. This gives the original garden time to recover its nutrients from nature.

Nomadic herding is practised in the semi-arid and arid regions of Sahara, Central Asia, and some parts of India, like Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir. In this type of farming, herdsmen move from place to place with their animals for fodder and water, along defined routes. This type of movement arises in response to climatic constraints and terrain. Sheep, camel, yak and goats are most commonly reared. They provide milk, meat, wool, hides and other products to the herders and their families.

Nomadic herding is characterized by the movement of families with their livestock, like sheep, camels, and goats, across regions where they can find food and water. People depend on specific routes that provide adequate resources for their animals. Unlike stationary farms, nomadic herders travel based on the seasons and availability of grazing land.

Imagine a family that travels with their sheep to find better pasture during different seasons. They may camp in one area until the grass runs out and then pack up to find a new place where the grass is still plentiful. This way of life allows them to keep their sheep healthy and provide milk, meat, and wool for their needs.

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