In contrast, most farmers in the poorer countries will end up with very little at the end of the year. Many will think that they are lucky if hey have enough just to feed themselves and their families over the next year.
In the richer countries, farmers grow crops and raise animals for sale. This is called commercial farming, as the aim is to make a profit at the end of the year. In the poorer countries, the aim of many farmers is to produce enough food to feed themselves and their families. This is called subsistence farming. Subsistence farmers may also produce some extra food which can be sold in local markets.
1. A subsistence farmer in a poor country
Farms a small plot of land.
Uses simple tools such as a hoe and a wooden plough.
Produces a small amoun of food crops.
Uses his produce mainly to feed himself and his family.
2. A commercial farmer in a rich country
Farms a larger area of land.
Uses a wide range of farm machinery.
Produces a surplus of crops for sale.
Uses money to support himself and his family, pay wages and invest in the farm.
3. Tips How to Grow Cotton
The cotton seeds are grown in about April. The seeds are sown by hand or mechanical drill. They are sown in rows a metre apart. Four or five seeds are set together about 2cm deep. When the young plants are a few cm high, they are thinned out to about 30cm apart and the spaces between the plants are kept free from weeds. Then the cotton plants grow rapidly into little bushes about 1.5 metres high. They are covered with red, white or yellow flowers. In about August, when the flowers become seed pods or “bolls”, which open as they ripen, the white tufts of cotton attached to the seeds within the pods are picked. As the crop does not all ripen at once, two or three pickings are needed. After being picked, the cotton is “ginned”, that is, the fibres are separated from the seeds. Finally, the cotton is sent to the cotton mills for spinning into thread.
