What is a cash crop?

A cash crop is defined as a plant that farmers grow specifically for the purpose of selling it for profit rather than for personal consumption or local use. These crops are typically cultivated in large quantities and are integral to the agricultural economy, providing income for farmers and contributing to the trade market.

The focus on financial gain distinguishes cash crops from others that might be cultivated primarily for food security or subsistence—like those grown for the farmers' own consumption. This distinction emphasizes the commercial nature of cash crops as they are aimed at generating revenue in contrast to crops grown for private usage.

While certain crops may require specific amounts of rainfall or may only thrive in particular regions, these characteristics do not define a cash crop. The primary defining feature is its purpose in agriculture, which is to produce items that can be sold for profit.