Question

Which state of India has maximum terrace cultivation?

A) Haryana

B) Uttar Pradesh

C) Punjab

D) Uttaranchal (Uttarakhand) 

Answer 1

Hint: Terrace cultivation is practiced mainly in hilly areas. In India, terrace cultivation is mainly seen in hilly areas like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and some north east states. It is also seen in southern states like Andhra Pradesh.

Complete answer: 

Terrace farming is the procedure of creating steps or terraces on mountain slopes to carry out farming activities. Each level consists of various crops being grown. The advantage is that rains do not wash away the nutrients altogether, but they are pushed down to the lower levels. Terrace farming is very effective in maximizing the arable land area in variable terrains and also reduces soil erosion and water loss.

Image showing the terrace cultivation fields in India

Terrace farming is easily seen on the hilly as well as mountain regions of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Northern Eastern states. In India, if we talk about terrace cultivation and consider the given options i.e Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand, the terrace cultivation can be done on land with sloppy nature such as areas with mountains as well as hills. Here, we can see all other options are part of plain areas except Option D i.e Uttarakhand. 

Thus, the correct option is (D).

Note: Terrace farming or cultivation was developed by the Wari culture and other peoples of the south-central Andes before 1000 AD, centuries before they were used by the Inca, who adopted them.