Primitive subsistence farming, also known as shifting cultivation, is the oldest form of agriculture and is still practiced in some parts of the world. It is characterized by the following features:
- Slash and Burn Agriculture: Farmers clear a patch of land by cutting down vegetation and burning it before planting crops.
- Low Technology: Traditional primitive farming uses basic tools such as the dao, hoe, and digging sticks, without the use of machinery developed for agriculture.
- Self-Sufficiency: Farmers grow food primarily for themselves and their families, with any surplus sometimes being sold for extra cash.
- Reliance on Natural Fertility: This type of farming depends on the monsoons and the soils natural fertility, and the land is cleared and shifted for cultivation when the soil fertility reduces.
In summary, primitive subsistence farming is a traditional agricultural practice that relies on basic tools, low technology, and natural fertility to sustain the farmer and their family.
