Question

Explain terrace farming?

Answer 1

Terrace farming:

1. Terrace farming is the process of cultivating crops on the sides of hills or mountains by planting on graduated terraces carved into the slope, or in other words, the practice of carving flat regions out of hilly or mountainous terrain to produce crops.
2. It is mostly practiced in India's hilly regions, such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and certain northeastern provinces.
3. It is also practiced in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

There are two forms of terrace farming: bench and ridge-type terraces.

1. Bench terraces are used to minimize the slope of the ground.
2. On slopes, ridge terraces remove or hold water. There are two types of ridge terraces: narrow-based and broad-based.

Benefits of terrace farming:

1. Increases sloping field farmability and production.
2. Improves rainwater gathering and contributes to water conservation by slowing and reducing water run-off.
3. Reduces rill forms, which prevents soil erosion.
4. Soil conservation is aided.
5. Sedimentation and water pollution are reduced.
6. Water remains in place for long enough for heavy particles to settle, preventing downstream sedimentation and contamination of water bodies, but not long enough to harm crops.
7. Adjusts hilly ground for cultivation to increase food output.