Productive Utilisation of Bench Terrace Risers

Abstract

It is a general feeling among the farmers that bench terracing reduces their cropping area. However, they are not aware that the terrace riser (batter slope) can also be successfully utilized for raising perennial crops provided it is given proper slope. Raising of suitable perennial crop not only stabilizes' the terrace riser, but also provides additional revenue. In a study conducted at Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute, Research Centre, Udhagamandalam, planting of tea on terrace risers gave an yield of 3.56 t/ha (average green tea leaves from 6th to 10th year after planting). In addition, the terrace were utilized for raising vegetables like potato and cabbage.