Explain Terrace Farming – Definition and Benefits
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 14th, 2023
Terrace farming is the practice of making flat areas out of steep or mountainous terrain to grow crops. Crops are sown on graduated terraces carved into the slope. They can reduce surface runoff and soil erosion. The majority of India’s mountainous areas, including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and a few northeastern provinces, practice it. Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu also practice terrace farming.
Table of content
What is Terrace Farming?
Terrace farming can be branched out into two types: bench and ridge-type terraces.
- Bench terraces are used to reduce the slope of the land.
- Ridge terraces on slopes perform drainage or storage. Ridge terraces come in two varieties: narrow-based and broad-based
Benefits of Terrace Farming
There are numerous benefits of terrace farming. Some of them are:
- Increases agricultural efficiency and production of slope farms.
- Increases rainwater collection and helps in water conservation by reducing and slowing runoff.
- Reduces the formation of rills, thereby preventing soil erosion.
- It helps in the conservation of soil.
- Water pollution and sedimentation have decreased.
- While not enough to damage crops, the water is sufficient for the dense material to settle, reducing downstream sedimentation and poisoning of water bodies.
- Modification of land for cultivation to promote food production.
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