What are crops grown for commercial value rather than for subsistence, often leading to economic dependency?

Crops grown for commercial value rather than for subsistence are known as cash crops. These are typically cultivated primarily for sale in markets rather than for personal consumption by the farmers. This practice can lead to an economy that relies heavily on these specific crops, making it vulnerable to market fluctuations and external economic pressures.

For example, crops like cotton, tobacco, coffee, and sugar can be classified as cash crops, as they are often part of international trade and can generate significant revenue for farmers and countries. This economic focus sometimes distracts from growing food for local consumption, which can increase dependency on imports and external markets for basic food supplies. Such a system may enhance profitability for farmers or agribusinesses in the short term but can lead to long-term challenges regarding food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

Other types of crops, such as subsistence crops, are primarily aimed at feeding the farmer's household and are not driven by market sales. Staple crops are essential food sources that form the basis of a diet, while biofuel crops are specifically grown to produce fuel. Each of these categories serves different economic and dietary needs, but they do not share the same focus on commercial value that cash crops do.