What Does Milpa Agriculture Mean?
Milpa agriculture is a traditional farming system practiced in Mesoamerica, particularly Mexico. The ‘three sisters,’ namely, maize, squash and beans are planted on the land for two successive years, and thereafter, the soil is allowed eight years to lie fallow to recover its fertility naturally. Although this system allows for high yields and organic agricultural practices, it would become unsustainable if the fallow period were to be reduced.