3,702. Compulsory Agriculture

Hilchos Shemittah v’Yoveil 1:10

The activities listed in the preceding halachos were permitted because if the fields aren’t watered, the land will get so dry that all the trees will die. Since such activities are only prohibited by rabbinic enactment, they did not apply the restriction in such cases. Remember, under Biblical law, the prohibitions of shemittah only apply to two primary labors and two subordinate labors, as was discussed in halachos 1:2-3.

Hilchos Shemittah v’Yoveil 1:11

When the number of people who compel others increased and the non-Jewish authorities required the Jews to supply food for their troops, the Sages permitted planting only the crops that were necessary for the king’s servants. Similarly, if one person coerced another to perform labor without pay during shemittah, such as for the needs of the authorities or some similar purpose, one may comply.