India’s topography, which includes large mountain ranges and hilly terrains, as well as arid deserts and broad plains, is as varied as its culture. Millions of farmers who depend on the land for their livelihoods reside in these areas, which range from the majestic Himalayas in the north to the verdant hills of the Northeast and the lush Western Ghats. For these farmers, conventional agriculture is often impossible due to the steep slopes and the relentless forces of nature

This is where the age-old and brilliant agricultural technique known as terrace farming comes into play. For ages, this ancient approach has moulded landscapes and supported communities. It is still one of the most efficient and sustainable ways to grow food in India’s difficult topography.

Why Terrace farming in India?

India’s agricultural sector is heavily dependent on the monsoon season, which, while vital, also brings a significant risk of soil erosion and landslides in hilly regions. In the mountain regions of India, farming becomes difficult due to slopes, and to overcome this problem, terrace cultivation is a powerful answer. It is not just a method of growing crops; it is a complete way of conserving soil, managing water, and creating a stable, productive environment for agriculture.

Benefits of Terrace cultivation

The ultimate saver of the topsoil

On steep slopes, every drop of rain has the potential to cause erosion. Over time, the fertility of the land is reduced as the nutrient-rich topsoil is carried away by the rushing water. This is the main concern of farmers in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and the hilly regions of Kerala and Karnataka.

The force of the flowing water is effectively broken by terraces, which are a sequence of level, flat platforms. The soil is held in place by the retaining walls, which are frequently constructed using earth or stones from the area. This preserves the valuable topsoil and its vital nutrients by allowing rainwater to slowly seep into the ground rather than running off.

Conversation of water

India has a scarcity of water, and most of the agriculture depends on the monsoon. Terrace cultivation is an excellent solution for this issue. Rainwater is collected and stored by the level terraces, which function as a network of tiny, connected reservoirs. Even during dry spells, the crops will always have a supply of moisture thanks to the slow percolation of this stored water into the soil.

Increased arable land and enhanced income opportunities

For small and marginal farmers, who constitute the vast majority of India’s agricultural community, every inch of land matters. Terrace farming allows these farmers to transform steep, otherwise unusable slopes into productive fields. Higher yields and better revenue are the direct results of this significant increase in the amount of land available for cultivation.

Improve soil health and biodiversity

A healthy soil ecosystem is encouraged by terracing. In addition to improving soil structure and fertility, it promotes the growth of earthworms and other beneficial microorganisms by stopping erosion and holding onto water.

Additionally, a lot of traditional Indian terrace farms use mixed cropping, which involves growing various crops on the same terrace or adjacent terraces.

This method, which is frequently used with vegetables, legumes, and millets, naturally adds nitrogen to the soil, lessens the impact of pests and diseases, and gives the farmer a varied harvest, lowering the chance of a single crop failure.

A practical guide to getting started in India

Seek government support: The Indian government provides support and subsidies for terrace construction and soil conservation through several agricultural and rural development programs. To find out more about these programs, farmers can connect with the District Agriculture Office or their neighbourhood Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK).

Assess and plan: Evaluation of the land’s slope and soil type is necessary. For a gentle slope, board-based terraces may be suitable, while a steep slope will require narrow bench terraces with string retaining walls.

Use local materials: Building a terrace doesn’t have to be costly. To construct strong and reasonably priced retaining walls, use locally accessible materials like stones, mud, and even vegetation. Additionally, it guarantees that the walls are appropriate for the surrounding environment.

Choose the right crops: Choosing the right crops for terrace cultivation will meet the yield requirements. For information on high-yielding, disease-resistant cultivars in your areas, taking suggestions from agricultural specialists will be beneficial.

Regular maintenance: Terraces cultivation needs constant maintenance. To avoid waterlogging during and after the monsoon season, check the retaining wall for damage and make sure the drainage routes are free of obstructions.

FAQs:

1. What is terrace cultivation?

Terrace cultivation, or terrace farming, is a method of growing crops on the slopes of hills and mountains by constructing level platforms or steps along the slope. These terraces reduce water runoff and soil erosion, enabling agriculture in steep or uneven terrain.

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of terrace farming?

The advantages of terrace cultivation are the prevention of soil erosion, water conservation, enabling farming on hilly land, and improving crop yields. The disadvantages of terrace farming are labour-intensive, expensive infrastructure, risk of landslides, and limited use of machines.

3. Why is terrace farming also known as step farming?

Terrace farming is called step farming because it involves creating flat, levelled platforms on hillsides that resemble a series of steps or stairs. This technique transforms sloping land into usable farmland, allowing cultivation in areas that would otherwise be unsuitable due to the steep terrain.

4. For which crops, terrace cultivation used?

Terrace cultivation is mainly used to grow crops that require a consistent water supply and good drainage, such as rice, maize, potatoes, tea, coffee, millets, barley, and various vegetables.