The correct answer is: b) Shifting cultivation (Jhum).
Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, is a traditional agricultural system in which the natural vegetation is cleared and burned to create a field for cultivation. The field is then cultivated for a few years until the soil becomes exhausted, at which point the field is abandoned and a new field is cleared. This process is repeated in a cyclical manner.
Shifting cultivation is a sustainable agricultural practice when it is practiced in a way that allows the forest to regenerate. However, when it is practiced at an unsustainable rate, it can lead to deforestation and soil erosion.
In Mizoram, shifting cultivation is the dominant form of agriculture. It is estimated that over 80% of the population of Mizoram is engaged in shifting cultivation. The practice is particularly prevalent in the upland areas of the state.
There are a number of reasons why shifting cultivation is the dominant form of agriculture in Mizoram. One reason is that the state has a high population density, which means that there is a limited amount of land available for agriculture. Shifting cultivation allows farmers to use a relatively small amount of land to produce a significant amount of food.
Another reason for the prevalence of shifting cultivation in Mizoram is that the state has a tropical climate, which is ideal for the practice. The high rainfall and warm temperatures allow farmers to grow a variety of crops, including rice, maize, and vegetables.
Finally, shifting cultivation is a traditional practice in Mizoram that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is a way of life for many people in the state and is an important part of their culture.
While shifting cultivation is a sustainable agricultural practice when it is practiced in a way that allows the forest to regenerate, it is important to note that it can also have negative environmental impacts. When shifting cultivation is practiced at an unsustainable rate, it can lead to deforestation and soil erosion. It is important for farmers to practice shifting cultivation in a sustainable manner in order to protect the environment.
The other options are incorrect because they are not the dominant form of agriculture practiced in Mizoram.
Option a) Intensive rice cultivation is not the dominant form of agriculture practiced in Mizoram. While rice is a major crop in the state, it is not grown using intensive cultivation methods.
Option c) Plantation agriculture is not the dominant form of agriculture practiced in Mizoram. There are a few plantations in the state, but they do not account for a significant portion of the agricultural land.
Option d) Commercial horticulture is not the dominant form of agriculture practiced in Mizoram. There is some commercial horticulture in the state, but it is not as widespread as shifting cultivation.