Application of Remote Sensing Techniques for Mapping Shifting Cultivation

Shifting cultivation is an ancient and primitive method of cultivation, also referred to as ‘slash and burn’ or ‘rotational bush fallow agricultural system’. The practice mainly involves removal of the forests by primitive slash and burn technique followed by mixed cropping for short period before abandoning the site. Tribals all over India are known to follow the practice of shifting cultivation with some regional variations. The present study has been undertaken to estimate the spatial distribution of podu cultivation in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh by using remote sensing techniques. Results of the present study indicate that an estimated area of 10,491.857 acres of the forest area is under shifting cultivation in Srikakulam district. Shifting cultivation has caused a great deal of environmental degradation. Remote sensing techniques with repetitive coverage and synoptic view provide database for assessing environment degrading practices. Mapping of shifting areas is important not only from ecological point of view but also for management purposes