The correct answer is: a) Southern districts.
Shifting cultivation, locally known as ‘Podu’, is a traditional agricultural practice in which farmers clear a piece of land by cutting and burning the vegetation, then cultivate crops on the land for a few years before moving on to a new plot. This practice is primarily practiced in the southern districts of Odisha, such as Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur.
The practice of shifting cultivation has been criticized for its environmental impact, as it can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. However, it is also important to note that shifting cultivation is a traditional practice that has been used by indigenous peoples for centuries. It is a sustainable form of agriculture that can be practiced in harmony with the environment if it is done in a responsible way.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Option b, Coastal districts, is incorrect because shifting cultivation is not a common practice in the coastal districts of Odisha.
- Option c, Central districts, is incorrect because shifting cultivation is not a common practice in the central districts of Odisha.
- Option d, Western Districts, is incorrect because shifting cultivation is not a common practice in the western districts of Odisha.