Dairy Farming: Dairy farming is the most advanced and efficient type of agriculture. The production of milk and its processed products like butter, paneer, milk-powder, curd, cheese, etc. is called dairy farming. Man has been attached with milch animals since ancient age, but now it has taken commercial form. At present, several countries are known only for their dairy farms. In this type of farming, agricultural crops are also grown to feed the cattle.
Main features of Dairy farming:
1. In this occupation, high breed milch animals are reared scientifically.
2. It is a highly capital intensive agriculture.
3. Animal sheds, storage facilities for fodder, feeding and milching machines increase to the cost of farming.
4. It needs highly experienced labour for rigorous care in feeding and milching always and every time.
5. There is no off – season in this farming as we see in the farming of crops.
6. Special attention is paid to animal – reproduction, grazing and genetic improvement of animals.
7. Dairy farming is practiced mainly near urban and industrial areas, which provide it nearby markets for fresh milk and dairy products.
8. The development of transportation, refrigeration pasteurisation and other preservation processes have increased the duration of storage of various dairy products.
Major Regions of Dairy farming: There are three types of regions of commercial dairy farming which are shown in the adjoining map:
1. The largest is North Western Europe.
2. Canada
3. South – eastern Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania.
Horticulture: Horticulture is a specific type of agriculture in which fruits, flowers-and ornamental plants are cultivated.
Characteristics of Horticulture:
1. Only one crops is grown on a large scale.
2. Large number of labourers are employed.
3. It needs large farms which are modern scientific and self – contained units.
4. These farms provide raw material to factories for processing of crops.
5. Enormous capital investment is required to set up a horticulture unit.
Major Area of Horticulture:
1. North – Western Europe.
2. North – Eastern part of USA.
3. Mediterranean type climatic regions of world.
