Correct Option
The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
Plantation agriculture is a form of commercial farming where a single crop is grown on a large area. It functions as an interface between agriculture and industry, focusing on the production of raw materials for processing.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Plantation agriculture is characterized by monoculture, meaning a single crop (such as tea, coffee, sugarcane, rubber, or banana) is grown over a large tract of land.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: This type of farming is purely a commercial activity, not a subsistence one. It is highly capital-intensive, requiring significant investment, managerial ability, technical know-how, sophisticated machinery, and fertilizers.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The British introduced plantation agriculture in India to ensure a steady supply of raw materials and beverages (like tea and coffee) for the European market.
Key Takeaway
Plantation agriculture is a capital-intensive, export-oriented commercial farming system defined by monoculture, large estates, and its colonial origins in India.