Which of the following farming practices is mostly practised in Northeast India and causes soil erosion?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (B) Shifting agriculture

• Shifting agriculture, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, is widely practiced in Northeast India. It involves clearing forests by burning and cultivating the land for a few years before moving on to a new plot. This practice leads to soil degradation and erosion because the soil loses its fertility over time and is left exposed after the forest cover is removed.

• Soil erosion occurs because the land is not permanently cultivated and the topsoil is not protected from the rain and wind.

• Shifting Agriculture:

  • Commonly known as Jhum cultivation, it involves rotating cultivation areas. After a few years of cultivation, the land is left fallow to regenerate.

  • This practice is environmentally unsustainable in the long term, as it causes deforestation and loss of soil nutrients, leading to erosion.

• Other Farming Practices:

  • Mixed farming involves both crop cultivation and livestock rearing, and is generally sustainable with proper management.

  • Terrace farming is common in hilly regions and helps reduce soil erosion by creating steps on the hillside to hold water and soil.

  • Dairy farming does not inherently cause soil erosion but may contribute to land degradation if not managed properly.

• Option A (Mixed farming): Incorrect. Mixed farming does not lead to soil erosion when practiced properly.

• Option C (Terrace farming): Incorrect. Terrace farming helps prevent soil erosion, especially on hilly terrain.

• Option D (Dairy farming): Incorrect. Dairy farming does not directly contribute to soil erosion.