Question 191 markMCQSection B

Match Column - I with Column - II and choose the correct option :

Column - I (Types of Farming) / Column - II (Features)

I. Primitive subsistence farming — (a) Use of modern inputs with less labour

II. Intensive subsistence farming — (b) Single crop cultivation on large scale

III. Commercial farming — (c) Slash and burn cultivation

IV. Plantation farming — (d) Labour intensive cultivation

Resources and Development / Agriculture
Types of Farming

Options

(A)I-(c), II-(a), III-(d), IV-(b)
(B)I-(a), II-(b), III-(d), IV-(c)
(C)I-(c), II-(d), III-(a), IV-(b)
(D)I-(d), II-(c), III-(b), IV-(a)

Official answer

Option C: I–(c), II–(d), III–(a), IV–(b).


  • Primitive subsistence = slash and burn
  • Intensive subsistence = labour intensive
  • Commercial = modern inputs with less labour
  • Plantation = single crop on a large scale
Answer keywords:primitive subsistence farmingintensive subsistence farmingcommercial farmingplantation farmingslash and burnshifting cultivationHYV seeds

Marking scheme

  1. 1.1 mark for selecting Option C: I-(c), II-(d), III-(a), IV-(b); no partial marks for MCQ.

Hint

Primitive = slash and burn; Intensive subsistence = high labour, small land; Commercial = modern inputs, less labour; Plantation = single crop, large scale.

Quick oral answer

The correct match is Primitive-slash and burn, Intensive-labour intensive, Commercial-modern inputs with less labour, Plantation-single crop on large scale, i.e., Option C.

Common mistakes

  1. 1.Confusing intensive subsistence farming (labour intensive) with commercial farming (modern inputs, less labour) because both seem 'developed'.
  2. 2.Assuming plantation farming means many crops instead of a single cash crop grown on a large scale.

Analysis and explanation

Matches each farming type to its defining feature from 'Resources and Development'.


Concept

  • Farming types differ mainly on labour intensity vs modern inputs vs scale/crop number.

Key points

  • Primitive subsistence farming → slash-and-burn (c): simple tools (hoe, dao), monsoon-dependent, land cleared by cutting/burning.
  • Intensive subsistence farming → labour intensive (d): high population pressure, small holdings, multiple cropping.
  • Commercial farming → modern inputs, less labour (a): HYV seeds, chemical fertilizers, mechanised.
  • Plantation farming → single crop, large scale (b): tea/coffee/rubber, capital-intensive, agro-industry linked.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'intensive subsistence' (labour intensive) with 'commercial' (modern inputs, less labour) — both sound 'modern' but differ on mechanisation vs labour dependence.

Interesting facts

Shifting cultivation is known by different local names across India: 'jhumming' in North-East India, 'pamlou' in Manipur, and 'podu' in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

Rice is the staple crop of intensive subsistence farming and requires high temperature, high humidity and high labour input, making states like West Bengal among the most densely farmed regions in the world.

Question details

Q19 of 57 questions

Board
CBSE
Class
Class 10
Subject
Social Science
Year
2026
Section
Section B
Marks
1
Type
MCQ
Chapter
Resources and Development / Agriculture
Topic
Types of Farming
Bloom's level
understand
Syllabus topic
Unit 2: Contemporary India II — Resources and Development: Agriculture — Primitive, Intensive Subsistence, Commercial and Plantation Farming
Author
CBSE
Reviewed by
Padhantu Academic Team

Spotted a mistake or something unclear?

Tell us and we will fix it.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between intensive subsistence and commercial farming?

Intensive subsistence farming uses a lot of labour on small landholdings to maximise output for family consumption, whereas commercial farming uses modern technology and inputs like HYV seeds and fertilizers on large holdings with comparatively less labour, mainly for sale in the market.

Give an example of plantation farming in India.

Tea plantations in Assam and West Bengal, coffee in Karnataka, and rubber in Kerala are classic examples of plantation farming — a single crop grown over a large area with significant capital investment.