The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
Plantation agriculture is a distinct form of commercial farming originally introduced by Europeans in tropical colonies. It is characterized by the cultivation of a single cash crop on an extensive scale, utilizing modern scientific methods and organized management structures.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. Plantation agriculture is defined by monoculture, meaning a single crop is grown over a large area. It is typically practiced on large estates or plantations, not on small landholdings. Furthermore, the focus is usually on commercial crops (like tea, coffee, rubber, sugarcane, etc.) rather than multiple food crops for subsistence.
- Statement 2 is Correct. This system is highly capital-intensive, requiring significant investment in machinery, fertilizers, irrigation, and processing facilities. It is also labour-intensive and historically relies heavily on migrant labour to work on the large estates.
- Statement 3 is Correct. Plantation agriculture functions as an interface between agriculture and industry. The produce (e.g., tea leaves, rubber latex, sugarcane) is primarily used as raw material for associated processing industries, which are often located near the plantations to minimize transport costs and spoilage.
Key Takeaway:
Plantation agriculture is characterized by large estates, single-crop specialization (monoculture), heavy capital investment, reliance on migrant labour, and a direct linkage to processing industries.