Question

The process of growing crops by first clearing the land of trees and vegetation and burning them thereafter is called?
A. Commercial Farming
B. Shifting Farming
C. Nomadic Farming
D. None of these

Answer 1

Hint: Agriculture or farming is a system which includes various steps and inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, machinery and labour. It also includes outputs such as the use of tractors, plough etc. There are many types of farming practices across the world depending on geographical, labour, and technological conditions.

Complete Answer: Agriculture is an important occupation with the majority of the population dependent on it. Agriculture or Framing can be broadly classified into two categories: Subsistence farming and commercial farming.
-Subsistence farming is done to meet the ends of one’s family. It is further subdivided into Intensive and primitive. Primitive farming includes- shifting and nomadic farming.
-Shifting farming is practiced in northeast India where a plot of land is cleared and burned down. The ashes are then mixed with soil to produce potatoes, yam, cassava etc. After the soil loses its fertility, the land is abandoned and farmers move to a new land. It is also known as slash and burn agriculture in some areas.
-Nomadic farming or herding is practiced in semi-arid regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, regions of Sahara etc. Herders in this type of farming move from place to place with animals for water, food.
-Commercial farming includes growing crops and rearing animals for sale in the market. The area for farming and capital used in such a type is large. It includes the use of machines. Commercial farming includes three sub types of farmings: commercial grain farming, plantation agriculture and mixed farming.
Thus, the correct answer is option B.

Note: Shifting cultivation is called by different names in different parts of the world Milpa in Mexico, Jhumming in North-East India, Ladang in Malaysia and Roca in Brazil. There is also a different type of farming called organic farming. It includes organic manure and natural pesticides instead of chemicals.