Cash crop
Cash crop
A cash crop or profit crop is an agricultural crop which is grown to sell for profit. It is typically purchased by parties separate from a farm. The term is used to differentiate marketed crops from subsistence crops, which are those fed to the producer's own livestock or grown as food for the producer's family.
Pronunciation
- /ˈkaʃ krɒp/
Etymology
The term "cash crop" is derived from the 19th century agricultural practice in America where farmers primarily grew crops for the purpose of selling them, rather than using them for their own sustenance. The word "cash" refers to the immediate payment received for these crops.
Related terms
History
In earlier times, cash crops were usually only a small part of a farm's total yield, while today, especially in developed countries, almost all crops are mainly grown for revenue. In the least developed countries, cash crops are usually crops which attract demand in more developed nations, and hence have some export value.
Examples
Examples of cash crops include tobacco, cotton, and sugarcane. In less developed nations, cash crops include coffee, tea, cocoa, oilseeds (like cottonseed), spices, and fruit. Many of the foregoing, especially in the case of traditional regional commodities, are subject to wide price swings, dependent on uncontrollable factors such as weather, political unrest, and natural disasters.
Impact
The growing of cash crops often leads to over-farming and soil depletion, as cash crop farming depletes the nutrients in the soil. This can lead to lower yields and food insecurity. However, it can also lead to economic growth and development in the regions where cash crops are grown.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cash crop
- Wikipedia's article - Cash crop
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