Know All About Terrace Farming: Types, Benefits, & Challenges

Terrace farming is an agricultural technique that has gained recognition for its ability to transform hilly terrains into productive farmlands while preventing soil erosion. This article explores the concept of terrace farming, its various types, terrace farming systems, benefits, and challenges, highlighting its significance for sustainable agriculture.

1. Understanding Terrace Farming:

Terrace farming involves rearranging the landscape by constructing ridged platforms called terraces. These terraces facilitate water distribution and prevent soil erosion. By redirecting water flow and evenly distributing it across the farmland, terrace farming optimizes agricultural practices in hilly regions.

2. Types of Terraces:

a) Broad-Base Terrace Farming: Suitable for gentle slopes, this technique allows machinery to move between terraces through designated passages. It ensures optimal land usage and accommodates agricultural machinery requirements.

b) Grassed Back-Slope Terrace Farming: This technique utilizes perennial grass on the back slope, while the main cultivated area is constructed using soil from downhill. It provides stability and prevents soil erosion.

c) Narrow-Base Terrace Farming: Designed for steeper slopes, this technique requires less soil for platform creation. Permanent vegetation covers both the front and back sides of the terrace, reducing erosion risks.

Also Read: EXPLAINER: Jhum Cultivation, the Age-Old Culture of Arunachal Pradesh

3. Terrace Farming Systems:

a) Bench Terracing: This system resembles steps or benches across the slope, with flat or nearly flat farmed platforms at regular intervals. Bench terraces are commonly used for growing rice, as they allow water retention.

b) Contour Terracing: Following the relief contour, this system utilizes point rows and grassed waterways. It requires less effort to construct but may pose challenges for farming activities due to irregular spaces.

c) Parallel Terracing: This system involves keeping the platforms as parallel as possible. In cases where the slope does not permit parallelism, land-leveling operations may be required. Parallel terracing facilitates machinery movement but involves labor, cost, and time investments.

4. Benefits of Terrace Farming:

Terrace farming offers several advantages for sustainable agriculture:

- Increased farmability and land productivity on sloped fields.

- Water conservation through reduced runoff and improved rainwater harvesting.

- Prevention of soil erosion and enhanced soil conservation.

- Reduction of sedimentation and water pollution.

- Increased food production by utilizing hilly land for farming.

- Promotion of ecosystem diversity.

Also Read: Agricultural Practices Followed in The State of Arunachal Pradesh

5. Challenges of Terrace Farming:

While terrace farming provides numerous benefits, it also poses certain challenges:

- The need for specific machinery and labor inputs.

- Cost implications associated with terrace construction.

- Regular inspection and maintenance requirements.

- Soil testing to ensure suitability for terracing.

- Potential issues related to land disturbance and sliding in certain areas.

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