Which region of India shifting cultivation is practiced ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, is predominantly practiced in the North-Eastern region of India. This region includes states like Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, and Sikkim. The practice is locally known as 'Jhum' cultivation. The North-Eastern region's hilly terrain, abundant rainfall, and dense forests make it suitable for this type of agriculture. The indigenous tribes in these areas have traditionally relied on shifting cultivation as a means of subsistence farming, where they clear a patch of forest, cultivate it for a few years, and then move on to a new area, allowing the previous one to regenerate.

Now, let's examine why the other options are incorrect:

1. **North-Western region**: This region, which includes states like Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana, is characterized by arid and semi-arid conditions. The agricultural practices here are more focused on irrigation-based farming due to the scarcity of rainfall, making it unsuitable for shifting cultivation.

2. **South-Eastern region**: This region is not typically associated with shifting cultivation. States like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have more settled agricultural practices, with a focus on crops like rice, which require different farming techniques and stable water sources.

3. **Southern region**: The Southern region of India, including states like Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, is known for its diverse agricultural practices, but shifting cultivation is not prevalent here. The region's agriculture is more settled and involves crops like rice, coffee, and spices, which are grown using different methods.

In conclusion, the North-Eastern region's geographical and climatic conditions, along with the traditional practices of the indigenous communities, make it the primary area in India where shifting cultivation is practiced, justifying why Option 3 is the correct answer.