Question

In which one of the following states is slash and burn (Jhum agriculture) practised?

• A. Rajasthan
• B. Uttar Pradesh
• C. Mizoram
• D. Uttarakhand

Hint:

Jhum agriculture is practiced mainly in the Northeast Indian hills, such as Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, where shifting cultivation suits the terrain and tribal lifestyle.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Slash and burn agriculture, also known as Jhum cultivation, is a traditional method of farming practiced mainly in the Northeastern states of India. It involves:
- Clearing a patch of forest by cutting and burning the vegetation. - Cultivating crops on the cleared land for a few years. - Leaving the land fallow for several years to allow natural regeneration. Why Mizoram? - Mizoram, being a hilly and forested state in Northeast India, has the right geographical and climatic conditions for Jhum cultivation. - The tribal communities of Mizoram traditionally use this method due to the scarcity of flat agricultural land. Why not the others? - Rajasthan:
Arid and desert climate; agriculture is mainly irrigated or rain-fed farming. - Uttar Pradesh:
Mainly plains with intensive agriculture using modern methods. - Uttarakhand:
Though hilly, slash and burn is not commonly practised here; other types of terrace farming are more prevalent.