Contour farming is the best way to grow crops on the mountains, it is helpful in preventing soil erosion

Contour farming: It is very difficult for farmers to do farming in hilly areas, because the rain water does not stay in the fields due to the slope and in the fast flow, soil erosion also happens rapidly. In such a situation, the farmers of these areas felt the need for some new methods apart from the traditional technique of farming, resulting in the development of contour farming, which is helpful in reducing soil erosion as well as irrigating the slopes evenly. What is contour farming in India, which crops are grown in it and what are its benefits? Let’s know.

Contour Farming in India

Contour farming in India is an agricultural technique in which rainwater and soil erosion are prevented from running off in the field. To do this, tiling is done on the slopes of the field. Also, wheel tracks, furrows and seed rows are made on the sloping land of the field, which helps in stopping the rainwater and distributing this water and nutrition evenly to the soil, preventing soil and land erosion.

Difference between contour farming and terrace farming

The main difference between contour farming and terrace farming is the way of controlling the flow of water. In contour farming, the flow of water is controlled by cutting grooves in the slope of the land, while in terrace farming, the flow of water is controlled by making flat platforms on the slope of the land. The second difference is that in terrace farming, the hill slope land is divided into small flat pieces and converted into stairs. The edges of each flat piece are raised so that it remains filled with water. In contour farming, tiling is done on the slopes of the field to prevent rain and soil erosion in the field. Similarly, wheel tracks, drains and seed rows are made on the sloping land of the field. This helps in preventing rain water and soil erosion.

Benefits of contour farming

In contour farming, corn, soybean, wheat, grass and beans can be cultivated on hill slopes. The crops grown in hilly areas are more nutritious because they are pure. The use of pesticides and chemicals is very less here as compared to the plains.

One of its biggest advantages is that it helps in dealing with soil erosion. Experts believe that with this technique of farming, soil erosion on slopes can be reduced by 50 percent. Contour farming helps in slowing down the flow of running water and the water gets time to get absorbed well in the soil. Soil erosion is considered harmful because in this process the top layer of soil is removed, which is very important for farming. Due to this, the crop yield decreases.

Another advantage of this is that water is distributed evenly in the soil during irrigation. Because in this method the irrigation water flows slowly, it goes deep into the furrows / ditches, due to which the soil absorbs the water well. Once the furrows are adjusted, contour farming in India requires less labor for irrigation as compared to traditional down-slope irrigation, which reduces the cost of farming. Along with this, the production is also higher in this method.

Where should contour farming be done?

Although contour farming is for sloping areas, it cannot be done in all types of slopes and climate. For this, the slope gradient should be between 2%-10%, and there should also be adequate rainfall in the area.

How to start contour farming?

If a farmer in India wants to start contour farming, then he should know in what order to start it.

Land evaluation

First of all, the farmer has to evaluate the land where he is going to cultivate. The slope of the land, drainage has to be identified. Along with this, water flow and soil type should also be checked. This helps in plowing the land.

Marking contour lines

The second step involves making contour lines. In this, lines are made on the slopes, taking care that there is a proper distance between the lines. GPS, A-frame and laser level devices are used to mark the lines.

Designing terraces

In the third step, terraces are designed. Terrace farming means building walls and changing the shape of the natural slope to create a flat surface, which can reduce soil erosion by preventing water.

Vegetation cover

This stage involves planting vegetative plants and grasses along with creating terraces and contour lines. Vegetation cover prevents fast flowing water, thereby improving soil structure. Vegetative plants should be selected according to the local climate.

Water conservation measures 

While starting contour farming in India, you must take water conservation measures. If you are starting contour ploughing, then it is necessary to build swales, check dams or contour bunds. These structures increase the water holding capacity of the soil as well as increase the absorption of rainwater.

Water and Soil Management

Contour farming should be done where furrows/drains are made along the contour lines. This contour method in farming intercepts water and prevents the rapid flow downstream.

Selection of suitable crops

You must also know how to choose the right crops. In this farming technique, you must choose crops according to the type of soil, water requirement, climatic conditions and other factors.

Choice of farming method

Under this, you have to choose what kind of method you want to adopt like agroforestry, crop rotation and inter-cropping. These methods increase biodiversity.

Monitoring

After doing all the work, you have to monitor the crops regularly. Along with this, it is also necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of soil conservation and water management so that changes can be made accordingly.

If farmers do contour farming keeping all things in mind, then they definitely get good production.