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The chief characteristics of shifting cultivation are
1. High dependence on manual labour
2. Low level of technology
3. Utilization of poor soils through fallowing
4. Use of chemical fertilizers
Codes:
  • a)
    1, 2 and 4
  • b)
    2, 3 and 4
  • c)
    1, 3 and 4
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
The chief characteristics of shifting cultivation are1. High dependen...
Shifting cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, is a traditional agricultural practice that involves clearing a plot of land, burning the vegetation, and then planting crops. After a few years of cultivation, the land is left to fallow and regenerate before being used again. The chief characteristics of shifting cultivation are:

1. High dependence on manual labour
Shifting cultivation is highly labour-intensive, as it involves clearing the land by hand and planting crops without the aid of machines. The entire process, from clearing the land to harvesting the crops, is performed manually by the farmers and their families.

2. Low level of technology
Shifting cultivation is a low-tech agricultural practice, as it does not require modern machinery or advanced farming techniques. Farmers rely on their traditional knowledge and skills to cultivate the land and produce crops.

3. Utilization of poor soils through fallowing
Shifting cultivation is often practiced on poor soils that are unsuitable for continuous cropping. By using fallow periods, farmers allow the soil to recover and regenerate, which helps to maintain soil fertility and prevent soil erosion.

4. Use of chemical fertilizers
Shifting cultivation does not involve the use of chemical fertilizers, as farmers rely on natural soil fertility and the nutrients provided by the vegetation that is burned and incorporated into the soil. However, some farmers may use small amounts of chemical fertilizers to enhance crop yields.

In conclusion, shifting cultivation is a traditional agricultural practice that is characterized by high labour intensity, low levels of technology, the utilization of poor soils through fallowing, and minimal use of chemical fertilizers. Although it has been criticized for its environmental impact, shifting cultivation remains an important source of livelihood for many rural communities in developing countries.
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Community Answer
The chief characteristics of shifting cultivation are1. High dependen...
Shifting cultivation is a type of farming where people make temporary clearings in the forest to grow food. When the soil is no longer fertile after two to three years, the shifting cultivators abandon the field to look for another suitable plot of land. The first field is left to fallow, or rest, while the cultivators begin the cycle of activities on a new plot of land. The farmers may return to the same plot of land after 20 to 30 years.
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The chief characteristics of shifting cultivation are1. High dependence on manual labour2. Low level of technology3. Utilization of poor soils through fallowing4. Use of chemical fertilizersCodes: a) 1, 2 and 4b) 2, 3 and 4c) 1, 3 and 4d) 1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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The chief characteristics of shifting cultivation are1. High dependence on manual labour2. Low level of technology3. Utilization of poor soils through fallowing4. Use of chemical fertilizersCodes: a) 1, 2 and 4b) 2, 3 and 4c) 1, 3 and 4d) 1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about The chief characteristics of shifting cultivation are1. High dependence on manual labour2. Low level of technology3. Utilization of poor soils through fallowing4. Use of chemical fertilizersCodes: a) 1, 2 and 4b) 2, 3 and 4c) 1, 3 and 4d) 1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The chief characteristics of shifting cultivation are1. High dependence on manual labour2. Low level of technology3. Utilization of poor soils through fallowing4. Use of chemical fertilizersCodes: a) 1, 2 and 4b) 2, 3 and 4c) 1, 3 and 4d) 1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
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