Question

What is Truck Farming?

Hint:

Truck farming is most successful near large cities and towns because of high demand for perishable crops. The development of cold storage and refrigerated transport has further expanded truck farming to longer distances.

Answer 1

Truck farming is a special type of intensive commercial farming in which farmers grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers on a large scale mainly for supplying to markets rather than for their own consumption.
The word "truck" does not mean a motor vehicle here. It is derived from the old English word meaning "exchange" or "barter." This indicates that the crops grown in this farming are meant for sale in markets and for earning profit.
Key Features of Truck Farming:
1. Nature of Crops: The crops grown are usually vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, onions, cabbages, beans, cucumbers), fruits (strawberries, melons, grapes, apples), and flowers which have high demand in urban areas.
2. Market Orientation: This farming is highly market-oriented. The main objective is to supply freshly harvested perishable goods to nearby cities or even distant markets.
3. Transport Facilities: Since vegetables and fruits are perishable, efficient and rapid transport (trucks, railways, refrigerated vans, air cargo) is essential. The availability of quick transport links is the backbone of this type of farming.
4. Geographical Areas: Truck farming is commonly practiced near metropolitan cities and industrial regions where demand for fresh produce is very high. In countries like the USA, truck farming belts are found along the Atlantic coast, while in India it is practiced around Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
5. Labour Intensive: Since cultivation of vegetables and fruits requires more care, watering, weeding, and harvesting, this form of farming uses intensive labour.
6. Commercial Importance: Farmers grow crops in large quantities, sell them in wholesale markets, and earn cash. This type of farming provides livelihood to millions of farmers, vegetable vendors, and transport workers.
Example:
A farmer near Delhi NCR may grow tomatoes, cauliflowers, and spinach on a large scale. These are quickly transported overnight to Azadpur Mandi, one of Asia's largest wholesale vegetable markets, from where they are distributed to local retailers and consumers. This is an excellent example of truck farming.
Thus, truck farming is the commercial production of vegetables, fruits, and flowers primarily for urban markets using quick transport.