The correct answer is: c) Clearing forest land for temporary cultivation.
Shifting cultivation, also known as jhum cultivation, is a traditional agricultural practice that involves clearing a piece of forest land, cultivating it for a few years, and then abandoning it to allow the forest to regenerate. This practice is prevalent among some ST communities in Sikkim.
There are several reasons why shifting cultivation is practiced. First, it is a sustainable way to farm in areas with low population density and abundant forest resources. Second, it allows farmers to grow a variety of crops, which helps to ensure food security. Third, it is a relatively low-input form of agriculture, which means that it does not require a lot of capital or labor.
However, shifting cultivation also has some negative environmental impacts. When forest land is cleared, it can lead to soil erosion, deforestation, and loss of biodiversity. Additionally, the practice can contribute to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Despite its negative impacts, shifting cultivation is still practiced by many communities in Sikkim. This is because it is a traditional way of life that is deeply embedded in the culture of these communities. Additionally, shifting cultivation can be a sustainable form of agriculture if it is practiced in a way that minimizes its environmental impact.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Option a) Intensive farming on permanent plots of land is not the practice of shifting cultivation. Shifting cultivation involves clearing a piece of forest land, cultivating it for a few years, and then abandoning it to allow the forest to regenerate. Intensive farming, on the other hand, involves farming the same piece of land year after year.
- Option b) Crop rotation is a farming practice that involves planting different crops in the same field each year. This helps to prevent the soil from becoming depleted of nutrients. Shifting cultivation does not involve crop rotation.
- Option c) Clearing forest land for temporary cultivation is the practice of shifting cultivation. As mentioned above, this involves clearing a piece of forest land, cultivating it for a few years, and then abandoning it to allow the forest to regenerate.
- Option d) Nomadic movement with livestock is not the practice of shifting cultivation. Nomadic movement involves moving from place to place in search of food and water. Shifting cultivation, on the other hand, involves clearing a piece of forest land, cultivating it for a few years, and then abandoning it to allow the forest to regenerate.