The correct answer is: a) Hilly areas of Assam.
Shifting cultivation, locally known as ‘Jhum’, is a traditional agricultural practice in which farmers clear a piece of land by cutting and burning the vegetation, then plant crops on the land for a few years before moving on to another plot. This type of cultivation is often used in hilly areas where there is a limited amount of flat land available for farming.
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 a sustainable form of agriculture that can be practiced in harmony with the environment if it is done properly.
The other options are incorrect because:
- b) Plains of the Brahmaputra Valley are not suitable for shifting cultivation because they are too flat and have a high population density.
- c) Barak Valley is a hilly region and is therefore suitable for shifting cultivation. However, it is not as widely practiced in Barak Valley as it is in other parts of Assam.
- d) Tea garden areas are not suitable for shifting cultivation because they are used for growing tea.