Question

Which type of farming is characterized by "slash and burn" techniques?

• A. Plantation Farming
• B. Intensive Farming
• C. Shifting Cultivation
• D. Mixed Farming

Hint:

\textbf{Slash and Burn Agriculture = Shifting Cultivation} Important example for exams: \textbf{Jhum Cultivation} practiced in the \textbf{North-Eastern states of India} is a form of shifting cultivation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Shifting cultivation is a traditional farming method practiced mainly in tropical forest regions of Asia, Africa, and South America. It is characterized by the technique known as “slash and burn.” In this method, farmers first cut down (slash) the natural vegetation of a forest area and then burn the cleared vegetation. The ash produced from burning acts as a natural fertilizer, enriching the soil with nutrients for crop cultivation. After cultivating the land for a few years, the soil fertility decreases. Farmers then leave the land fallow and move to another area, repeating the same process. Hence, the cultivation shifts from one place to another, giving this method its name.
Step 1: Understanding the "slash and burn" process.
The method involves the following steps:

• Vegetation and trees are cut down (slashed).
• The cut vegetation is burned.
• Ash from the burned plants provides nutrients to the soil.
• Crops are cultivated for a few years.
• When soil fertility decreases, farmers move to a new area.

This agricultural method is commonly practiced by tribal communities.
Step 2: Examples of shifting cultivation in different regions.
Shifting cultivation is known by different names in different parts of the world:

• Jhum – North-East India
• Milpa – Mexico and Central America
• Ladang – Indonesia and Malaysia
• Chena – Sri Lanka

Step 3: Evaluating the options.

• Plantation Farming: Large-scale farming of crops like tea, coffee, rubber, etc.
• Intensive Farming: Farming with high inputs of labor and capital on small land areas.
• Shifting Cultivation: Uses the slash and burn technique. (Correct)
• Mixed Farming: Combination of crop cultivation and livestock rearing.

Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \text{Shifting Cultivation} \]