The correct answer is: b) Jhum cultivation (Shifting Cultivation).
Jhum cultivation, also known as shifting cultivation, 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 a new plot. This type of cultivation is often used in areas with low population density and abundant forest resources.
Jhum cultivation has a number of advantages, including:
- It is a relatively low-input system that requires little capital investment.
- It can be used in areas that are not suitable for other types of agriculture, such as steep slopes or areas with poor soils.
- It can help to maintain biodiversity by creating a mosaic of different habitats.
However, jhum cultivation also has a number of disadvantages, including:
- It can lead to soil erosion and deforestation.
- It can contribute to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
- It can displace indigenous peoples and lead to conflict.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to promote sustainable jhum cultivation practices that minimize the environmental impact of this traditional agricultural system. These practices include:
- Planting trees on fallow land to help prevent soil erosion.
- Rotating crops to avoid over-exploiting the soil.
- Using organic fertilizers to improve soil fertility.
- Conserving water by building terraces and dams.
By adopting these sustainable practices, farmers can help to protect the environment and ensure the long-term viability of jhum cultivation.
The other options are incorrect because:
- Wet rice cultivation is a type of agriculture in which rice is grown in flooded fields. This type of cultivation is not commonly practiced in Nagaland.
- Horticulture is the practice of growing fruits, vegetables, and other plants for food or ornamental purposes. This type of agriculture is also not commonly practiced in Nagaland.
- Plantation agriculture is a type of agriculture in which large areas of land are devoted to the cultivation of a single crop, such as coffee, tea, or rubber. This type of agriculture is not practiced in Nagaland.