Agricultural Revolutions and Farming Types

Subsistence Agriculture

Subsistence farming is defined as the practice of farming specifically for survival. This form of agriculture is predominantly found in nations categorized as "Less Developed Countries," abbreviated as $LDCs$. The operational nature of subsistence agriculture relies almost entirely on manual labor, with a distinct lack of machines utilized in the planting, tending, or harvesting of crops.

Commercial Agriculture

Commercial farming refers to agriculture practiced with the primary objective to make money. This form of farming is found mostly in "More Developed Countries," also known as $MDCs$. In contrast to subsistence methods, commercial agriculture operates with not as many workers because it utilizes significantly more machines. Production is further enhanced through the systematic application of fertilizers, pesticides, and Genetically Modified Organisms ($GMOs$).

The Neolithic Revolution (The First Agricultural Revolution)

The Neolithic Revolution, recognized as the $1st$ Agricultural Revolution, is the period in human history during which people developed the practice of agriculture. A primary outcome of this transition was the creation of sedentary societies, characterized by populations staying in one place rather than being nomadic. During this era, birth rates rose, although death rates rose as well. This fundamental change in human behavior and food production allowed for civilizations to develop.

The Second Agricultural Revolution

The Second Agricultural Revolution started in England around $c.\,1750\,CE$. This revolution was driven by the introduction of new technology, including the invention of the seed drill and the mechanical reaper. These advancements resulted in the production of more food and facilitated greater industrialization. As machines replaced manual labor, fewer people were required to work on farms, leading to a migration of more people to cities for urban labor. This period was marked by a decrease in the number of people dying, which ultimately led to the growth of more people within the general population.

The Green Revolution

Occurring during the $1960s$ and $1970s$, the Green Revolution was a period where $MDCs$ shared agricultural technology and techniques with $LDCs$, with specific mention of nations such as India and Mexico. The movement was defined by the introduction and distribution of fertilizers, machines, and hybrid seeds to these developing regions. The primary result of these efforts was much more productivity in agricultural yields across the participating countries.