What Really Is Intensive Farming?

What Really Is Intensive Farming?


   




INTRODUCTION


                 In today's rapidly evolving world there is a growing demand for food, and agriculture is highly promoted in every country. Agricultural methods have immensely changed over the past decades and there are two main types: The Intensive farming and the Extensive farming. Intensive farming, also known as conventional farming is prominently used in today’s world, it is characterized by the concentrated cultivation of crops and livestock with the aim of maximizing overall output. In intensive farming, large numbers of livestock are kept in spaces that would not be able to support such large numbers. While intensive farming has significantly increased yields, and contributed to food security, its widespread adoption has raised concerns about environmental degradation, animal welfare and loss of biodiversity.

  

                 Key features of intensive farming include the use of advanced technologies, mechanization, extensive use of chemical fertilizers, and optimized crop and livestock management techniques. This approach often involves tightly controlled environments, such as greenhouse cultivation for plants or confined animal feeding operations for livestock. Intensive farming contrasts with traditional or extensive farming, where larger land areas are utilized, and production is less concentrated. 


                 While intensive farming has contributed significantly to increased food production, it has also raised concerns associated with the environment, including soil degradation, water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss. Additionally, there are ethical considerations related to animal welfare in intensive livestock farming systems since animals are put in crowded conditions which can cause a great degree of mental stress and diseases. The intensive farming of crops also presents uncertainty due to the fact that it adds to soil degradation and an increase in pests. As a result, there are discussions around whether intensive farming systems are sustainable. Experts point out that there should be a balance of productivity with environmental and ethical considerations in the case of intensive farming. 


       This introduction has provided a comprehensive overview of intensive farming. Throughout the report we will be analyzing many branches of intensive farming including, the advantages, disadvantages and its impact on the 

environment and its inhabitants.  


TYPES OF INTENSIVE FARMING


                 Intensive farming techniques spread from livestock to crop to even fish and these are just the main branches which then divide to multiple other branches.


INTENSIVE LIVESTOCK FARMING


                 In intensive livestock farming large numbers of animals, usually cattle, poultry or swine are kept in a small, congested building which is temperature regulated to have the maximum output. The number of farmed animals living on factory farms globally is 90%. In Intensive livestock farming some natural animal behavior is considered as an impediment to maximum productivity so, they are restricted. Unfortunately, cases of animal abuse and neglect are often seen in these farms. Undercover investigations are frequently conducted by agencies to try and reduce violence against animals in farms. Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) are a type of intensive livestock farming where large-scale facilities where animals are raised in high-density environments, often indoors, with a focus on maximizing production efficiency.


INTENSIVE CROP FARMING


                 Large-scale farm operations are typical of intensive crop production, which is designed to maximize growth of high-yielding crops. Farmers primarily grow these plants for livestock feed and energy use, rather than food for people.One survey found that 62% of European cereal crops went to animal feed between 2018 and 2019, leaving just 38% for human consumption. Greenhouse Farming, aeroponics and hydroponics are types of intensive crop farming.


AQUACULTURE


                 Aquaculture is the intensive cultivation of fish and other aquatic species in controlled environments, ranging from ponds to recirculating systems, to meet the growing demand for seafood. Fish farming contributes to the depletion of wild fish communities, since such farms generally rely on wild 

Fisheries to feed their farmed fish. These facilities often use massive amounts of 

medicines to prevent disease spread in crowded tanks and pens.


CHARACTERISTICS OF INTENSIVE FARMING


                 Intensive farming is characterized by several key features that distinguish it from traditional or extensive farming practices. These characteristics are designed to optimize production efficiency and output. The goal of many of the intensive farming units is minimizing costs per unit of output to maximize profit. Unfortunately these goals are prioritized over environmental stewardship, animal care, or health of workers or consumers. Some of the common characteristics of intensive farming includes high input utilization, advanced technology and mechanization, high concentration of production, controlled environments and continuous production cycles


CHARACTERISTICS OF INTENSIVE LIVESTOCK FARMING


  • Confining thousands of animals in restricted indoor spaces

  • Routine, subtherapeutic antibiotic use in animals to promote growth

  • Abusive animal-management practices, such as debeaking and use of small gestation crates

  • Substitution of free-roaming animal diets with off-farm industrial feed crops

  • Reliance on a single breed and sometimes a single genetic line of animal

  • Intensive animal breeding to maximize body size, weight gain, and speed to maturity

  • Corporate concentration and consolidation

  • Global supply chains

CHARACTERISTICS OF INTENSIVE CROP FARMING


  • Monocropping of commodity crops, many of them animal feed crops

  • High use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides

  • Gas-powered heavy machinery for harvesting and mechanized processing 

  • Genetic modification of plant species through biotechnology 

  • Limited or zero crop rotation

  • All-season production

  • Intensive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides

  • Corporate concentration and consolidation

  • Global supply

CONDITIONS FOR INTENSIVE FARMING

               Intensive farming is practiced under specific conditions that are required to maximize production efficiency. While these conditions may vary depending on the type of crop or livestock involved there are some common conditions needed.              

             A high market demand should be there for the specific agricultural product. This demand encourages farmers to adopt practices that increase yields and production efficiency to meet consumer needs.

               Intensive farming requires access to modern agricultural technologies, including machinery, irrigation systems, and precision farming tools. These technologies increase efficiency and speed potentially increasing the production.

                Efficient transportation networks are essential for the timely and cost-effective distribution of agricultural products to markets. Efficient infrastructure is also important to house livestocks. Good temperature regulated buildings are one of the key conditions for maximizing the total output of a unit.

                Financial resources are crucial for the proper working of a unit. Capital investments are needed for machinery technology and inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.Farmers also need access to credit of financial resources to invest in the necessary equipment and inputs and for a daily income of their own.              


                   Even though intensive farming is designed to maximize output in Limited spaces there should still be enough land available for farming  so that should be an availability of land. The availability of water is also essential since it is needed for livestock as well as crops. It is essential to have a plan about how and where the waste from the unit is disposed of.

  

                  Climatic conditions are also a key to maximize output so the land for the intensive farming unit should be chosen in an area with the correct climatic conditions. Other than these government policies and subsidies, market access and labor is also crucial for an intensive farming unit.


INTENSIVE FARMING VS EXTENSIVE FARMING



                   Another type of farming is Extensive farming. Extensive farming uses a vast quantity of land with lower inputs per unit of area than intensive farming, which aims to maximize the production from a small amount of land through the use of high inputs including manpower, capital, fertilizers, pesticides, and technology. There are many differences between intensive and extensive farming. 


      Because intensive farming only needs a minimal amount of land for production, it can be easily practiced in densely populated places. However, the cost of land is high in these places. In contrast, regions with large farms for cultivation allow for the practice of extensive farming. The farms are, however, comparatively less costly. Because the farms practicing intensive farming are situated close to the market, distribution and transportation expenses are kept to a minimum. On the other hand, remote locations are the result of large farming, which raises the cost of transportation and market sales. 


      Intensive farming is moreover practiced in India, Japan and the UK while extensive farming is done in the U.S.A, Canada and Australia.

The ecology suffers as a result of intensive farming's heavy reliance on fertilizers and pesticides.In contrast, large farming does not pollute the environment since it uses little amounts of fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals. Compared to extensive farming, intensive farming has substantially less crop diversity. In extensive farming, animal grazing is more common than it is in intensive farming.


      To produce large yields on a short area of land, intensive farming makes heavy use of labor, capital, and fertilizer inputs. In large-scale farming, low inputs of money, labor, and fertilizer result in low yields over a large amount of land. The main difference between extensive and industrial agriculture is the quantity of input used per unit of land.


    It is imperative for farmers and policymakers to achieve equilibrium among these farming approaches. The future of agriculture may lie in a hybrid paradigm that combines the sustainability of wide farming with the high productivity of intensive farming.


HISTORY OF INTENSIVE FARMING


        The start of intensive farming was the shift from a hunter-gatherer, nomadic way of life to settled agriculture. Using crude equipment for planting and harvesting, early agricultural cultures started raising crops and domesticating animals.

        Intensive farming techniques evolved to support expanding populations in ancient civilizations including Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and the Indus Valley. Growing agricultural output was a result of the adoption of plows, irrigation systems, and draft animals. Europe began to embrace more advanced agricultural techniques during the Middle Ages. The three-field technique spread widely, involving crop rotation to preserve soil fertility. Efficiency gains were facilitated by the employment of wind and water mills, as well as horse-drawn plows.

         In Western Europe, an additional agricultural revolution took place in the 18th and 19th centuries. Efficiency was raised by inventions like the threshing machine, crop rotation techniques, and the seed drill. Programs for selective breeding that improved crop and livestock qualities were popular. 


         The Green Revolution, which took place in the middle of the 20th century, saw tremendous breakthroughs in pesticides, fertilizers, and plant breeding. Crops with high yields, like rice and wheat, were developed as a response to the world's food scarcity. The productivity of agriculture increased significantly during this time.


       The employment of cutting-edge technologies and agricultural mechanization increased dramatically in the second half of the 20th century and the first part of the 21st. On farms, tractors, combine harvesters, and other equipment became standard. Biotechnology, data-driven farming methods, and precision agriculture all contributed to increased efficiency.

            

      Throughout history, the necessity to feed expanding populations, boost output, and adjust to shifting environmental and economic circumstances has been the driving force behind the development of intensive farming. Although intensive farming has greatly improved food production, it has also brought up issues with biodiversity, the sustainability of the environment, and ethical issues.



MODERN INTENSIVE FARMING  


                 The origins of intensive farming trace back to ancient civilizations, where it began with the development of sophisticated water management systems and the domestication of large animals capable of pulling plows. In more recent years, and especially since industrialization, intensive agriculture has also come to be characterized by a variety of other practices such as heavy pesticide use, rotational grazing, and concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). In modern-day industrialized intensive agriculture the usage of agrochemicals like pesticides and fertilizers have risen more than the past decade. 


                 Modern intensive farming techniques  use advanced methods and technologies to maximize the efficiency and productivity of agricultural operations. These techniques aim to increase crop yields, optimize resource utilization, and improve overall agricultural output.The usage of machinery,  such as tractors, harvesters, and plows have significantly increased. They automate various tasks like planting and harvesting, increasing efficiency and reducing the need for manual labor.


                 Genetically modified  (GM) crops and seeds are widely used to enhance traits such as resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stress. Crops are also genetically modified to increase their nutritional value. 

Precision farming  used these days employs technologies like GPS and sensors to closely monitor and manage crop fields. This enables farmers to optimize the utilization of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, leading to enhanced efficiency and a decrease in environmental impact.


                   Modern agriculture employs advanced techniques to boost productivity. Hydroponics and Aquaponics cultivate plants in nutrient-rich water, emphasizing growth and fostering a symbiotic relationship with fish. Vertical farming optimizes indoor space for year-round crop production. Drip irrigation conserves water by delivering it directly to each plant's base. Greenhouse farming extends growing seasons and protects crops from adverse weather. Organic farming integrates methods like organic fertilizers and biological pest control for soil health and reduced environmental impact. Farmers use data analytics and management software for informed decisions. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) minimizes chemical pesticide use. Despite increased productivity, sustainability and biodiversity concerns challenge the industry to balance production with ecological responsibility.


CONVENTIONAL FARMING IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD


In heavily populated parts of the world, particularly in south and southeast Asia, which includes China, Japan, and India, intensive subsistence farming is practiced. In places where there is little population density, significant farming is done.


INDIA

These days, the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh are the main locations for intensive farming.Tractors, combine harvesters, and other farm equipment are key pieces of mechanization used in intensive farming in India to increase productivity and lower labor costs. As a result, duties take less time and effort to accomplish and the land is more productive.


CHINA

China is a significant producer of a number of different crops, such as soybeans, wheat, corn, and rice. In order to increase yields per unit of land, intensive farming practices use hybrid and genetically modified crops along with sophisticated irrigation systems, fertilizers, and pesticides.To encourage and support intensive farming methods, the Chinese government has put in place several policies. This includes monetary rewards, research and development initiatives, and implementing contemporary technology to improve agricultural productivity.


JAPAN

Because it has a limited amount of land, Japan is known for its intense agriculture. Rice planting is a classic symbol of Japanese agriculture. Melons, soybeans, and wheat are sown by a small number of farmers.When it comes to the development and application of robotic technologies in agriculture, Japan has led the way. Produce sorting, harvesting, and planting are all done by robotic equipment. Precision planting, automated rice transplanting devices, and hybrid types are examples of intensive rice farming techniques. In certain regions, sensor systems are also installed in rice paddies to keep an eye on water levels and adjust irrigation.


ADVANTAGES OF INTENSIVE FARMING


Elevated Efficiency

 When compared to extensive farming practices, intensive farming typically provides better yields because it is intended to optimize output per unit of land. In order to fulfill the demands of an increasing global population, this high productivity is essential.



Effective Utilization of Resources

 In order to maximize yields, intensive farming methods frequently optimize inputs like water, fertilizer, and pesticides. This results in a more efficient use of resources. Reduced waste and economic viability can both benefit from this efficiency.



Reliable and Predictable Results

 More control over environmental factors is made possible by intensive farming, which results in reliable and constant output all year round. This may help create a food supply that is more consistent and dependable.



Technological Progress

 Precision farming, biotechnology, and mechanization are among the cutting-edge ideas and technologies that are commonly used in intensive farming. These innovations have the potential to increase productivity, decrease the need for labor, and enhance farm management in general.



All-Year Production

 Year-round production is possible in some intensive farming systems, especially in the raising of animals and poultry. This steady output can satisfy the needs of a market that needs an ongoing supply of animal goods.


Financial Progress

 By fostering job possibilities and assisting other businesses like agribusiness, food processing, and equipment manufacturing, intensive farming can boost economic growth in rural areas.


DISADVANTAGES OF INTENSIVE FARMING


Unhygienic Livestock Living Conditions and Conditions

Animals are said to suffer greatly from intensive farming, which has drawn harsh criticism. As a result of the usage of growth hormones, a variety of chemicals, and overcrowding in a confined area, the animals typically have unhygienic living conditions. Overcrowding of livestock is linked to pollution and ill hygiene, both of which increase the risk of infections and other illnesses.


Overindulgence in Agrochemicals

As previously mentioned, intensive farming calls for the use of a wide range of agrochemicals, such as insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and acaricides. When these chemicals are applied, they contaminate food goods in addition to eliminating their intended targets, which include weeds, parasites, and pests. Pesticides and insecticides also destroy helpful insects, which adds to the decline in biodiversity. The chemical sprays have an equivalent impact on neighboring workers and people, and people who eat the food also inadvertently inhale the pollutants.


Potential for Food Products of Low Quality

The production methods used in intensive farming ignore the need for high-quality, nutrient-dense food products because the main focus of the practice is the mass manufacturing of aesthetically pleasing food products. As a result, meals from intensive agricultural locations frequently don't have the same nutritional content as foods grown conventionally or organically.

 Furthermore, intensive farming creates space for low-quality food products over time by focusing on producing yields that appear excellent and may even lengthen their shelf life rather than improving their nutritional value and flavor.


Deforestation and Natural Environment Modification

Numerous research and publications on the environment show how intensive farming negatively affects and deteriorates the environment. There has been a significant amount of deforestation and soil erosion as a result of tree removal, wash and burn methods, and clearing forest lands for agriculture. Natural environments and wild creatures have suffered greatly as a result, since the damaging activities have continuously added to the loss of habitat.


HUMAN RISKS IN INTENSIVE FARMING


      

                   Intensive farming, despite its contribution to heightened agricultural productivity, comes with a range of health risks that necessitate attention and intervention. These risks encompass exposure to pesticides and chemical fertilizers, the development of antibiotic resistance, and an increased likelihood of zoonotic diseases. The individuals on the front lines of intensive farming—farmworkers—are particularly vulnerable to occupational hazards, confronting issues such as exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and ergonomic challenges.


                 The strenuous demands of intensive farming operations extend beyond physical risks, also affecting the mental well-being of those involved. Stress and mental health issues can arise due to the high production targets and repetitive tasks characteristic of these farming systems. Moreover, concerns extend to environmental impacts, with potential water contamination stemming from the runoff of agrochemicals into water sources. This contamination not only poses a threat to the immediate environment but also to human and animal health, especially when it comes to drinking water.


                 Respiratory problems, a consequence of dust generated in large-scale animal operations, add another layer of concern for both farmers and nearby residents. Noise pollution, a byproduct of intensive farming practices, especially prevalent in extensive animal production facilities, can have adverse effects on the mental well-being of nearby communities and workers.


                 Furthermore, the crowded conditions inherent in intensive farming, particularly in large-scale animal production, raise apprehensions about food safety. Diseases and infections may spread more easily in such settings, increasing the risk of contamination in meat and other animal products.


                 Effectively addressing these multifaceted health risks associated with intensive farming requires a comprehensive approach. This includes the implementation of regulatory measures to ensure safe practices, the adoption of improved agricultural techniques that prioritize both productivity and health, and fostering heightened awareness among all stakeholders about the potential health impacts associated with intensive farming.



 SUBSTITUTES TO INTENSIVE FARMING 


Industrial farming can be very harmful. There are various alternatives to intensive farming that are much better for the environment, such as agroecology, agroforestry, and intercropping.


AGROECOLOGY

Agroecology is the practice of farming with an emphasis on producing food while preserving nature's resources and maximizing its benefits.  Instead of fighting nature with chemical inputs, farming flourishes when it collaborates with local ecosystems. One way to do this is by increasing soil and plant quality through accessible biomass and biodiversity. The goals of agroecological farmers are to increase food yields for a balanced diet, support just markets for their produce, improve ecosystem health, and preserve traditional knowledge and practices. Agroecology offers several other advantages, such as the ability to adjust to climate change and lower farming costs. This is crucial since it's sustainable in addition to providing an alternative to industrial farming. 


Agroforestry

Additionally, agroforestry is a superior substitute. It incorporates both tree cultivation and preservation. In addition to producing more overall, farms' crops are shielded from the weather's and wind's damaging effects. Farms become more flexible and diverse financially when they cultivate more plants and trees. Rather than being kept apart, crops and livestock are integrated into a single, expansive farm. Rather than being dispersed, trees, crops, and animals can all be grouped together to use less area.


Intercropping

Conventional farming is not as beneficial as intercropping. The practice of growing crops next to distinct designs in between rows is known as intercropping. Or, to put it another way, the crops are adjacent. More biodiversity and more growing space are the results of this. Mixed cropping, row cropping, and temporal intercropping are the three different forms of intercropping. Whereas row cropping uses a variety of plants, mixed cropping places species that are compatible next to one another. Planting crops with contrasting growth rates—fast and slow—is known as temporal gardening.


TECHNOLOGIES USED IN CONVENTIONAL FARMING

             

          Innovations significantly reduce costs for farmers and support their efforts. Industrial agriculture greatly benefits from precision farming, which is now a standard practice for many businesses. Industrial agriculture landowners may monitor the field in real time, day or night, thanks to drones and satellites, and online agro platforms provide previous data for in-depth research. With the expansion of internet connectivity, farms that are geographically far can now be inspected. Field sensors reliably report the condition of affairs locally.


           GPS is a term for ground-based technology that enables growers to collect data in real-time with precise location information. GPS is suitable for mapping irrigation systems, fields, and roads, detecting areas with plant problems, soil testing in specific field areas, tractor driving with a parallel steering system and for precise seed and fertilizer application.


          Industrial agricultural practitioners can make more accurate and, consequently, economical decisions with the help of EOSDA Crop Monitoring, an all-in-one farming software. It offers reliable data on production, vegetation condition, weather analytics, effective resource allocation, and general field inspection for use in daily agricultural operations. Productivity maps allow farmers to analyze past data on a particular area to determine which areas are the most and least productive for the best distribution of seeds in intensive farming.


             Tractors and other self-driving or autonomous equipment travel fields and carry out operations like planting, harvesting, and spraying by using GPS and other technology. By optimizing field operations, these systems lessen the requirement for physical labor. Advances in genetic engineering, including CRISPR technology, are helping develop crops with improved resistance to pests and diseases, increased yield, and enhanced nutritional content. Utilizing sensors and real-time data, smart irrigation systems optimize irrigation schedules to minimize water waste and increase crop production's water efficiency.


            Additionally, the agricultural sector continues to evolve, and new technologies are likely to emerge in response to ongoing challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and the need for sustainable food production.


CONCLUSION


       In today's world, intensive farming—also referred to as conventional farming—is widely practiced. It is defined by the focused raising of livestock and crops with the goal of optimizing total production. Numerous animals are housed in spaces that cannot support their numbers while farming intensively.


       The different types of Intensive farming are aquaculture, intensive crop farming and intensive livestock farming. High input utilization, sophisticated technology and mechanization, high production concentration, regulated surroundings, and continuous production cycles are some traits of intensive farming. The circumstances for conventional farming are a high market demand, modern agricultural technologies, efficient transportation, financial resources, land and water availability and the right climatic conditions.The main difference between extensive and industrial agriculture is the quantity of input used per unit of land.

     

            In order to feed the growing populations of ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and the Indus Valley, intensive farming practices arose. Increasing agricultural productivity was brought about by the introduction of draft animals, irrigation systems, and plows.In order to increase agricultural operations' productivity and efficiency, modern intensive farming practices make use of cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. These methods seek to enhance total agricultural output, maximize resource utilization, and raise crop yields.


     Intensive subsistence farming is carried out in densely populated regions of the world, especially in south and southeast Asia, which include China, Japan, and India. This high productivity is crucial to meet the demands of a growing global population. Intensive farming techniques often optimize inputs such as water, fertilizer, and herbicides to enhance harvests.  Certain intensive farming systems allow for year-round output, particularly when it comes to producing poultry and animals. However, intensive farming is thought to cause significant suffering to animals, a claim that has garnered strong criticism. Insecticides and pesticides also kill beneficial insects, contributing to the loss of biodiversity. Foods grown conventionally or organically tend to have a higher nutritional content than meals from intensive agricultural areas.

 

         Those who work in intensive farming on the front lines—farmworkers—are more susceptible to occupational hazards because they deal with problems like chemical exposure and ergonomics.


           Agroecology, agroforestry, and intercropping are only a few of the environmentally preferable alternatives to intensive farming. Drones and satellites enable landowners in industrial agriculture to watch their fields in real time, day or night, and online agro platforms offer historical data for in-depth analysis. The ability to check geographically distant farms has increased with internet connectivity. 



AUTHORS: BHAMA VAISHNAVI G. NAIR, DURGA D. NAIR



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