Different Types of Agriculture Farming in India: Methods & Importance

India is one of the world’s largest agricultural nations, with nearly 55% of the population depending on farming for income. Over the decades, different types of agriculture farming systems have evolved based on climate, soil, crop needs, and available resources.

But one thing remains common across all farming methods — the growing dependence on farm tractors. Today, tractors in agriculture have transformed productivity, reduced manual labour, and made modern farming more profitable for Indian farmers.

This blog explains the major types of farming in India, their importance, and the role of tractors in India’s agricultural growth.

1. Subsistence Farming

Subsistence farming is widely practiced by small and marginal farmers where crops are grown mainly for family consumption.

Key Features

• Small landholding
  
  

• Low investment
  
  

• Basic tools and a small farm tractor for ploughing and sowing
  
  

Popular Crops

Wheat, rice, pulses, vegetables

Role of Tractors

• Helps small farmers complete field preparation faster
  
  

• Mini tractors are ideal for small plots
  
  

• Improves productivity with lower labour cost

2. Commercial Farming

Commercial farming aims at producing crops in large quantities for selling in the market.

Examples

Sugarcane, cotton, wheat, maize

Methods Used

• Use of large farm tractors
  
  

• Advanced implements like rotavators, seed drills, sprayers
  
  

• Mechanised harvesting
  
  

Why Tractors Matter

Commercial farms rely heavily on the best tractor for farming to handle large workloads efficiently.

3. Plantation Farming

Plantation farming involves growing a single crop over large areas.

Crops

Tea, coffee, rubber, coconut, banana

Role of Tractors

• Helps in transporting heavy loads
  
  

• 4WD tractors are useful in hilly plantation terrains
  
  

• Supports orchard maintenance with compact tractor models

4. Mixed Farming

Mixed farming involves crop cultivation along with livestock farming.

Components

• Crops + dairy
  
  

• Crops + poultry
  
  

• Crops + fisheries
  
  

Use of Tractors

• A multipurpose farm tractor manages both farming and livestock feed activities
  
  

• Helps produce fodder crops using implements like:
  
  

• Cultivator
  
  

• Rotavator
  
  

• Leveler

5. Dry Farming (बारानी खेती)

Dry farming is practiced in low-rainfall regions like Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

Suitable Crops

Millets, pulses, groundnut, cotton

Importance of Tractors

• Deep ploughing with tractors helps conserve soil moisture
  
  

• Implements like MB plough & cultivator are essential
  
  

• 4WD tractors perform better on dry, hard soil

6. Intensive Farming

Intensive farming aims for maximum production from limited land.

Methods Used

• High-yield seeds
  
  

• Mechanised operations
  
  

• Fertilizer + irrigation systems
  
  

Why Tractors Are Key

• Save time
  
  

• Increase productivity
  
  

• Support large-scale operations
  
  

• Ideal for fast ploughing, harrowing, sowing, spraying

7. Organic Farming (जैविक खेती)

Organic farming focuses on cultivation without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

Practices

• Bio-manure
  
  

• Natural pest control
  
  

• Crop rotation
  
  

Role of Tractors

• Helps manage soil preparation efficiently
  
  

• Implements like rotavator maintain soil health
  
  

• Mini & medium HP tractors are widely used

Importance of Tractors in Indian Farming

The rapid expansion of tractors in agriculture is reshaping Indian farming.

How Tractors Help Farmers

• Reduce labour cost
  
  

• Save time during sowing & harvesting
  
  

• Improve crop quality
  
  

• Enable use of modern implements

• Increase productivity & income

Why Farm Tractors are Essential Today

• India’s mechanisation level reached ~48% in 2024, and is rising steadily
  
  

• Tractor adoption has grown due to affordability, financing, and higher demand
  
  

• 4WD tractors and mini tractors are becoming more popular due to multi-purpose use

Which is the Best Tractor for Farming in India?

While the "best" tractor depends on land size and farming needs, farmers usually prefer:

• 4WD tractors for heavy work
  
  

• Mini tractors for small farms & orchards
  
  

• High-mileage tractors for longer operations
  
  

Solis tractors offer strong performance, high torque, and durability — making them a reliable choice for both small and large farmers.

Conclusion

Agriculture in India is diverse, and every farming type comes with its own challenges. But across all farming systems, tractors in agriculture have become the backbone of modern Indian farming. Whether it’s land preparation, sowing, transportation, or harvesting — a reliable farm tractor helps farmers boost productivity and earn better returns.

Sources

• Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Report 2024
  
  

• FADA Tractor Sales Data 2024
  
  

• ICAR Agricultural Mechanization Study
  
  

• NSSO Agriculture Household Survey 2023
  
  

• NABARD Farm Mechanization Report
  
  

FAQs: 

1. How many types of farming are practiced in India?

India follows 6–7 major farming types including subsistence, commercial, mixed, plantation, intensive, dry, and organic farming.

2. Which farming type is most common?

Subsistence and mixed farming are the most common among small farmers.

3. How do farm tractors help farmers?

Farm tractors reduce manual labour, save time, and increase productivity by supporting modern implements.

4. Which tractor is best for farming in India?

4WD tractors and 40–50 HP tractors are best for multi-purpose farming operations.

5. Which crops are most suitable for dry farming?

Millets, pulses, groundnut, cotton, and sorghum grow well in dry regions.