Indigenous soil, water management sustaining Nagaland terrace farming, says study
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Cropping patterns & irrigation· Mains·
Why in news
A Nagaland University study highlights the sustainability of the Angami community's terrace farming as a resilient alternative to slash-and-burn agriculture.
Background
The study, published in the Sage journal, focuses on the Angami community's construction of bench terraces on steep slopes for paddy cultivation. It identifies the synergy between traditional ecological knowledge and community life as the primary driver of sustainability against changing rainfall patterns.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceNagaland: A North-Eastern state in India known for diverse indigenous agricultural practices.
- FactTerrace farming: A method of growing crops on steps cut into hillsides to prevent soil erosion and manage water.
- EnvironmentSlash-and-burn (Jhum) cultivation: A traditional farming method involving clearing land by burning vegetation, often criticized for ecological degradation.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern agricultural policies can promote sustainable food security in ecologically sensitive hill regions of India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Ecological resilience: Mitigation of soil erosion and water runoff through indigenous bench terrace engineering.
- Cultural preservation: Preservation of community-led agricultural practices as a buffer against climate-induced rainfall variability.
- Policy integration: Transitioning from slash-and-burn subsidies to supporting indigenous terrace farming infrastructure.
Keywords: Traditional Ecological Knowledge · Sustainable Agriculture · Ecological Resilience · Indigenous Practices · Climate Adaptation
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