The correct option is 2 only
Explanation
Intensive Subsistence Farming is a type of agriculture practiced in densely populated regions of monsoon Asia, where the primary objective is to maximize production from small landholdings to sustain the farmer's family.
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: This farming system is characterized by a high density of population relative to the available arable land. Consequently, it is highly labour-intensive. The farming operations are primarily carried out by the farmer and their family members, with limited use of heavy machinery.
- Statement 2 is Correct: While rainfall (monsoon) is a significant factor, intensive subsistence farming does not rely solely on it with "minimal irrigation." To maximize yield per unit area and support multiple cropping, irrigation is frequently utilized, especially in areas dominated by wet paddy cultivation during dry spells or in regions growing wheat and other crops. The reliance on natural rainfall with minimal irrigation is a characteristic of Primitive Subsistence Agriculture (shifting cultivation), not Intensive Subsistence Farming.
Key Takeaway: Intensive Subsistence Farming is defined by high labour input (family labour), small landholdings, and high yield per unit of land, often utilizing irrigation and manure to maximize output.