Explain the shifting cultivation? Why did …

In shifting agriculture certain parts of the forest are selected, cut and burnt. This is done in rotation. Then seeds are sown in the ashes after the monsoon. The crop is ready to be harvested by October-November.
This cultivation is carried on for two to three years. After this, the land is left fallow for about 12 to 18 years. This allows the forest to grow back again. Cultivators grow different crops on this land. It varies from region to region. In central India and Africa, it could be millets, in Latin America, maize and beans and in Brazil, manioc. 
This practice of shifting agriculture was considered by European foresters as harmful.

1. They were of the opinion that any land that was cultivated in this manner could not produce trees which would yield timber for railways.
2. They also argued that burning of forests was a dangerous activity. The flames could spread and burn valuable timber.
3. In addition, the government found that calculation of tax was a problem with shifting agriculture as the cultivators did not stay on the same piece of land for more than three years. The government, hence, decided to ban shifting agriculture. Many people lost their means of livelihood and were displaced from their homes.