Smallholder farming systems in Asia

Agricultural production in Asia emphasises intensive rice and wheat production. Other systems are associated with maize, cassava, trees and a range of secondary crops. Both monoculture and multiple cropping systems are common, with crops being grown for subsistence and cash. Irrigated agriculture is well developed in high potential areas, but most countries are still heavily dependent on rain-fed production systems. In Southeast Asia, shifting cultivation is practised widely and is associated with deforestation, weed invasion and erosion. Multi-purpose livestock are integrated with cropping in small-scale, mixed farming systems that characterise Asian agriculture. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.