Where in India is the ‘slash and burn’ agriculture known as ‘Kuruwa’?
State of Jharkhand
Understanding Slash and Burn Agriculture in India
The question asks about a specific local name for slash and burn agriculture in a particular region of India. Slash and burn agriculture, also widely known as 'Jhum' or 'Jhumming' in the northeastern states, is a traditional farming method.
This method involves clearing a patch of forest or vegetation, burning the felled material, and then cultivating crops on the cleared land for a few seasons. After a few years, the soil fertility decreases, and the farmers move to a new patch of land, allowing the abandoned plot to regenerate naturally over time. This shifting nature is why it's also called shifting cultivation.
Local Names for Slash and Burn Agriculture Across India
While 'Jhum' is the most common term associated with slash and burn agriculture in India, especially in the North-Eastern states, this practice has different local names in various parts of the country, reflecting regional diversity.
The specific name 'Kuruwa' is one such local term used for this type of agriculture.
Identifying the Location of 'Kuruwa'
Based on geographical and agricultural studies, the term 'Kuruwa' for slash and burn cultivation is specifically associated with the region corresponding to the present-day State of Jharkhand in India.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the provided options in the context of slash and burn agriculture:
- Himalayan Belt: While some traditional farming practices exist in the Himalayan region, 'Kuruwa' is not the term commonly used there for slash and burn agriculture.
- State of Odisha: Slash and burn cultivation is practiced in certain parts of Odisha, where it is known by names like 'Podu'. 'Kuruwa' is not the term typically used here.
- Western Ghats: Similar to Odisha, slash and burn cultivation exists in parts of the Western Ghats, known by names such as 'Kumari' or 'Ponam'. 'Kuruwa' is not associated with this region.
- State of Jharkhand: Historical and anthropological records indicate that 'Kuruwa' is indeed the local name for slash and burn cultivation practiced by certain tribal communities in the region that is now the State of Jharkhand.
Therefore, the location where 'slash and burn' agriculture is known as 'Kuruwa' is the State of Jharkhand.
| Region | Local Name(s) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| North-Eastern India (Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, etc.) | Jhum, Jhumming | ||
| Odisha | Podu, Dahi, Koman, Bringa | ||
| Andhra Pradesh | Podu | ||
| Western Ghats (Kerala, Karnataka) | Kumari, Ponam | Madhya Pradesh | Bewar, Dahiya |
| Chhattisgarh | Deppa, Kumari | ||
| Jharkhand | Kuruwa | ||
| Rajasthan | Valre, Waltre |
Revision Table: Kuruwa and Shifting Cultivation
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| Slash and Burn Agriculture | A farming method involving clearing land by cutting and burning vegetation, followed by temporary cultivation. |
| Shifting Cultivation | Another name for slash and burn agriculture, highlighting the practice of moving to new plots after a few seasons. |
| Jhum | A common name for slash and burn agriculture, widely used in North-Eastern India. |
| Kuruwa | The specific local name for slash and burn agriculture in the State of Jharkhand. |
Additional Information on Slash and Burn Practice
Slash and burn agriculture is often associated with tribal communities and is a traditional practice linked to their lifestyle and the environment. It is considered a form of subsistence farming.
While it was historically sustainable when population densities were low and regeneration periods were long, increased population pressure and reduced fallow periods in many areas have led to concerns about its environmental impact, such as deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity.
Many governments and environmental organizations are working with communities to promote alternative, more sustainable farming methods.
Important Questions from Agriculture
Which one of the following terms describes the practice of growing two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land?
Directions: The following 05 (Five) items consist of two statements, Statement I and Statement II. Examine these two statements carefully and select the answers to these items using the code given below:
Statement I: India has a wide variation in population density.
Statement II: Factors like agricultural productivity and the history of the settlement have greatly influenced the population density pattern in India.
Which of the following are the characteristics of organic farming?
1. Use of chemical fertilizers to improve soil fertility.
2. Frequent decomposing and fallowing.
3. Use of herbs to control pests.
4. Higher productivity per hectare.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A farmer in a semi-arid area claims that his farming practice is very environment friendly. Which of the following practices on his farm can justify his claim?
1. Planning a tree belt.
2. Practising crop rotation.
3. Carrying out a large scale irrigation system
4. Using organic fertilizers.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Which of the following statements about the Livestock sector in India is/are correct?
1. Livestock contributed about 25 per cent of gross value added in agriculture.
2. It provides self-employment to a large segment of the population
3. The rapid growth of the livestock sector can be egalitarian inclusive
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
