Farming is practised in various ways across the world depending upon the geographical condition, demand of produce, labour and level of technology. Farming can be classified into two main types :
(i) Primitive subsistence agriculture and
(ii) Intensive subsistence agriculture.
Main features of primitive subsistence agriculture :
1.It is also called shifting agriculture and burn/Jhuming/Milpa/Ladang. ’
2.It is widely practised by tribes in Africa, South and Central America, South-east Asia.
3.The vegetation are cleared by fire and ashes added to soil fertility. In these areas of heavy rainfall quick regeneration of vegetation takes place.
4.After the soil loses its fertility, land is abandoned and the cultivator moves to a new plot.
Main features of intensive subsistence agriculture :
1.It is practised in densely populated regions of monsoon in Asia.
2.Land holdings are small.
3.Farmers use simple tools and more labour including whole family members.
4.Climate with a large number of sunshine days and fertile soil by using farm yard manure permits growing more than one crop annually on the same plot.
5.The crops grown in such fields are rice, wheat, maize, pulses and oil seeds.
The development of “Hugli industrial region”, includes areas around river Hugli in West Bengal.
The main reasons of development of this belt:
1.This region is spread in a narrow belt from Bansberia and Naihati in North to Birla Nagar in South along the Hugli river in a 100 km distance.
2.The river Hugli offered the best site for the development of the Inland river port as nucleus to these industries. It also has better connectivity of roads, railways, seaports and airports.
3.Opening of coal field of Damodar valley.
4.Number of Jute mills in the proximity from where large quantities of jute products are exported.
5.Availability of cheap labour in the surrounding areas.
Meaning of Population Density : The ratio between the number of people to the size of the land/area of state. The number of people inhabiting per unit of land is called population density. As per census 2011′, Bihar is the most densely populated state with 1106 persons per square km, followed by West Bengal with 1028 persons. Arunachal Pradesh has the least density with only 17 people per sq. km. Geographical factors that influence the populations distribution in the world :
Relief : Relief is the most important factor influencing and distribution of population. High mountains, rugged terrains and some plateaus restrict human settlement. Many parts of the Himalayas, Rockies and Andes are without any population.
Climate : Excessive heat, cold, dryness or wetness restrict human population. Hence areas with normal climate are more dense. Apart from human health, climate affects agriculture as adverse weather conditions result in crop failure.
Soil : Areas of fertile soil permit high concentration of population because it forms the base for high agricultural activities.
Natural resources : Due to availability of natural resources, industries grow up, hence the area becomes populated.