The main pillar of the rural economy is based on agriculture. Agricultural land and livestock are the primary means of production for people of the rural areas in any society. Livestock farming consists of the major part of the economy of the majority of people. It relies typically on labor-intensive methods for raising crops and healthy livestock. Livestock feed is shipped all over the country, and land is frequently needed for cultivation, farrowing, watering, and other activities.

One of the most curious aspects of farming in our society is the concept of “small and simple”. In such parameters, the patterns of rural agriculture are toned respectively. According to some studies, the traditional farming methods are really costing us a fortune, putting farmer family farms at an economic disadvantage and loss. Some farmers and residents are trying to change it by equipping themselves with skills to better compete in the ever-changing world of farming.

Aspects of Rural Economy and Small Farms 

Here are some basic points which can better cover the aspects of the rural economy in any society. The advent of modern technology has also revolutionized the agriculture sector. Farmers are adopting more sophisticated techniques to get more production from small pieces of land. So the use of advanced techniques is urging the farmers to focus on small land in order to get more production. Here are some important factors to explain it further.

1. Free Land

Because of the free land that’s available in many markets, small farms are able to reap the benefits of efficiency and economies of scale. Free land means less temptation to over-improve or if a farm expands beyond the borders of its current market. It means less temptation to hire expensive professionals, too, because there are no extra costs to upkeep and no money in reserves. It frees up time to focus on the health of the farm, to care for the animals and other people, and yes, to expand. This means savings on marketing and advertising, herd immunity, and reduced insect and pathogen risk.

2. Less Zoning

Since many modern farming techniques can be carried out with minimal land. Farmers today had more space and freedom than ever before to grow crops with less worry of zoning laws coming down the pike. So one can get more production even from small pieces of land with the use of innovative methods. 

3. Healthier Food

Eating healthy balanced meals that are high in fresh produce can maintain your and your family’s health. Farm families are more inclined to get their fresh produce to the local market themselves. Because they know that their jobs depend on their fields, forage, and use of fertilizer. By nourishing local markets with their little efforts, they are more inclined to give their time to their farms. With easy access to the local market, farmers are getting more and more profit. On the other hand, the consumers are happy because they can get cheap and fresh vegetables.

4. Cheaper Seeds

Seeds of all types and varieties are sold in our local markets. They are easy to grow and they can be grown in more convenient ways than compared with those grown in large agro-industries. Rural farmers can have access to cheap and quality seeds which can ensure more yield.

5. Fertilizers and Pesticides

In the past, farmers used to suffer from the low production of their crops. Depending on the climate, farming methods, and local climate, the land may yield a variety of seasonal crops. But the output was not so satisfactory due to pests and lack of fertilizers. 

On the other hand, livestock products, such as meat, dairy, eggs, wool, and hides used to be produced by small family farms. But the production was not so high to compete with their needs. Climate fluctuation and risks of diseases remained major factors that had a huge influence on their productions. But now the use of fertilizers and pesticides has made it possible for the farmers to get more yield. 

6. Digital Market

As the use of the internet has made the life of the common man much easier. The online market is another emerging trend of this decade.  Up to 2021, a major segment of the agriculture sector has been shifted to the online market. Where consumers can directly deal with the farmers to get fresh stuff. It is a win-win situation not only for the farmers but also for the customers. Because customers can get fresh products and farmers get paid for their products without any hassle. This change has led to an increase in the number of potential customers looking for agricultural products.

7. Agricultural Marketplace

With the increased buying power of the average rural household and the decrease in land farming, many people are looking for ways to make a profit. The increase in online food purchasing has led to changes in the way agri-businesses market to consumers.

Since the internet is a popular place for people to find farm-direct products, which gives them the ability to see and purchase all of the products directly online from an agri-business’s website. This change has increased competition among farmers and prompted them to switch to other methods and produce a variety of products.

Organic Farming: An Emerging Trend

So there is a new emerging trend these days. More and more people are getting conscious about their health and shifting to organic foods. This is a really good opportunity for small-scale farmers to adopt better techniques to grow more organic food. The ongoing pandemic has made people more health-conscious. It is estimated that 2022 will be the turning point for agriculture. Organic farming is highly encouraged due to its environment-friendly techniques of cultivation. 

The Bottom Line

So as we have discussed above, the rural economy mainly depends upon agriculture. Even though traditional farming still exists, the use of advanced technology has revolutionized the agriculture sector. It has proved a blessing for small-scale farmers. They can adopt modern agricultural techniques to get more produce from their small farms. Organic farming is another window of opportunity for farmers. They can grow more food to generate better revenue.