CH 8 RURAL LIVELIHOODS

Terraced farming was developed by the Wari culture and other peoples of the south-central Andes before 1000 AD, centuries before they were used by the Inka, who adopted them.

terrace cultivation, method of growing crops on sides of hills or mountains by planting on graduated terraces built into the slope. Though labour-intensive, the method has been employed effectively to maximize arable land area in variable terrains and to reduce soil erosion and water loss.

Terrace farming is an ancient agricultural practice used to grow crops on the steep sides of mountains and hills. Flat areas out of a hilly or mountainous landscape are cut in order to grow crops. Therefore, terrace farming is practised in the Himalayas. This process grows crops requiring large amounts of water.

The people of Chizami village do terrace farming.

Answer: Chizami is a village in Phek district in Nagaland. The people of this village do terrace farming. They have their own individual fields. But, they also work collectively in each other’s fields.

The traditional form of shifting cultivation i.e. jhum, is the method of cultivation that is widely practiced across Nagaland. Jhum occupies about 90% of the area under agriculture.

Ans. Following steps are taken to control the soil erosion in hilly areas: (i) Contour ploughing: this refers to ploughing along contour lines. (ii) Terrace farming: construction of steps along the hilly areas by cutting the rock layers to reduce the flow of rivers. (iii) Plugging of gullies to prevent gully erosion.

Answer: Mizoram because of mountains present there.

Western and central Himalayas have well developed terrace farming.

There are three kinds of terraces (a) bench terraced farmlands; (b) sloping terraced farmland; (c) combination level terraced farmlands and natural slope land. Bench terrace is the basic type of farmland in mountains. A bench terrace with its level platform and projected or ridged rim may hold rainwater for irrigation.