The correct answer is: b) Soil degradation and erosion.
Shifting cultivation, also known as jhum cultivation, is a traditional agricultural practice in which land is cleared and used for cultivation for a few years, then abandoned and allowed to regenerate for a period of time before being cleared again. This practice is common in many parts of the world, including Arunachal Pradesh in India.
While shifting cultivation can be sustainable in some cases, it can also lead to soil degradation and erosion. This is because the clearing of land for cultivation exposes the soil to the elements, which can cause it to be washed away by rain or blown away by wind. Additionally, the use of fire to clear land can also damage the soil.
Soil degradation and erosion can have a number of negative consequences, including:
- Reduced crop yields
- Increased flooding
- Increased sedimentation in rivers and streams
- Loss of biodiversity
- Increased risk of landslides
In order to reduce the negative impacts of shifting cultivation, it is important to practice sustainable land management techniques. These techniques include:
- Rotating the use of land so that it is not used for cultivation for too long at a time
- Using cover crops to protect the soil
- Planting trees and other vegetation to help stabilize the soil
- Using fire only in controlled burns
By practicing sustainable land management techniques, it is possible to reduce the negative impacts of shifting cultivation and protect the environment.