Question

Why is shifting cultivation called the wasteful method of cultivation?

Answer 1

Shifting cultivation is considered a wasteful method of cultivation due to the following reasons:

1. Massive Forest and Timber Loss: Large areas of dense green forests are entirely cut down and burnt to clear land, resulting in the complete waste of valuable timber, medicinal plants, and natural resources.
2. Severe Soil Erosion: Burning the protective vegetation cover leaves the topsoil, leaving it bare and exposed. Heavy tropical rains can easily wash away the productive top layer, causing permanent land degradation and soil erosion.
3. Air and Environmental Pollution: Burning large amounts of biomass emits massive quantities of carbon dioxide, smoke, and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which contributing heavily to air pollution and localised warming.
4. Loss of Biodiversity: Fire and land clearing destroy the natural habitats of thousands of wild animals, birds, and beneficial insects, resulting in a significant decrease in local biodiversity.