Introduction
What is Jhum cultivation? How does it work?
- Traditional farming practice - Clear and burn forest land
- Cultivate for 2-3 years
- Shifting cultivation or slash-and- - Leave fallow for 5-10 years
burn agriculture
Where is it practiced? Importance
- Northeastern India - Vital part of indigenous
Assam, communities’ livelihood
Meghalaya, - Cultural heritage
Arunachal Pradesh, - Environmental concerns and
sustainability issue
Nagaland)
- Southeast Asia
Difference Between Jhum Cultivation and Agriculture
Agriculture
- Cultivation of land for a long period
- Use of irrigation and fertilizers
- Single crop or few crops cultivated in a single cultivation
- Typically uses high-yielding varieties
Jhum Cultivation
- Clearing of forest land for a short period (2-3 years)
- No use of irrigation or fertilizers
- Multiple crops cultivated in a single cultivation
- Typically uses traditional varieties
History
• Jhum cultivation originated around7000-10000 years ago.
• It originated in Neolithic period, during transition from Nomadic hunter to
gatherer societies.
• Regions which practice jhum cultivation:-
• Southeast asia-it includes Bangladesh,Thailand,Vietnam,Arunachal Pradesh.
• Africa-Tropical regions like Ghana,Nigeria
• Pacific Islands –New guinea ,Solomon island .
Some significant historical events:-
1. Pre –colonial Era :-
Jhum cultivation was thriving practice in northeastern region like Brahmaputra valley,indigenous
community like Nagas,Garos.
[Link] Colonial Era (1858-1947)
Britishers viewed this as wasteful,and backward practice.
[Link] independent Era (1947-1980)
India government promoted alternative like terracing, irrigation to reduce jhum cultivation.
I
Objectives …..
The objectives of Jhum cultivation are:
1. *Food security*: Jhum cultivation provides a source of food for the farmers and their
families.
2. *Livelihood*: Jhum cultivation is a source of income for many farmers, providing a means
to support their livelihood.
3. *Crop diversity*: Jhum cultivation promotes crop diversity by allowing farmers to grow
multiple crops in a single season.
4. *Soil fertility*: Jhum cultivation helps maintain soil fertility by using natural methods like
crop rotation and organic amendments.
5. *Water management*: Jhum cultivation helps manage water resources by using
techniques like rainwater harvesting and conservation.
6. *Biodiversity conservation*: Jhum cultivation promotes biodiversity by preserving
traditional crop varieties and promoting ecological balance.
7. *Climate change adaptation*: Jhum cultivation helps farmers adapt to climate change by
promoting resilience and flexibility in farming.
Methodology and objectives of Jhum cultivation….
• In hilly regions of Arunachal Pradesh ,Manipur ,Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland,
Mizoram Shifting cultivation is locally known as Jhum continues to be a dominant
mode of food production and is considered as primary means of economic main
stay.
• The usual process of shifting cultivation includes the following steps:-
1. *Selection of land*: Identify a suitable location for Jhum cultivation, typically a
forested area with a slope.
2. *Clearing*: Clear the land by cutting down trees and vegetation.
3. *Burning*: Burn the cleared vegetation to create a fertile ash that enriches the soil.
4. *Planting*: Plant a variety of crops, including rice, maize, millet, and other
vegetables and fruits.
5. *Shifting*: After 2-3 years, shift to a new location and repeat the process.
6. *Resting*: Allow the previously cultivated land to rest and regrow its vegetation.
Process involved In Jhum Cultivation ……
[Link] the Forest [Link] the area [Link] Plants
and Vegetables
Image courtesy – [Link]
• CASE STUDY
OCATION [INDIA]
ortheast states of India like Nagaland,Mizoram,Tripura.
PRACTICES:
n Nagaland jhum cultivation is practiced in cyclical manner.
he cycle typically involves clearing land,burning vegetation,planting crops,harvesting,and then
eaving the land fallow for several year.
OCATION [GLOBALLY]
outheast Asia,Latin America,South asia and some part of Africa
RACTICES:
In these regions, shifting cultivation involves clearing a small patch of forest, burning the biomass,
and planting crops like cassava, yams, and bananas. The land is used for a few years before being
abandoned to allow natural regeneration.
• MERITS
1. Cultural Preservation: Maintains indigenous knowledge
and traditions.
2. Community Bonding: Encourages collective decision
making and social cohesion
3. Biodiversity: Promotes a diverse ecosystem through a
mosaic landscape
4. Nutrient Recycling: Ash from burning vegetation enriches
soil fertility.
• DEMERITS
1. Deforestation: Leads to the loss of forest cover due to
land clearing.
2. Soil Degradation: Causes soil erosion and loss of fertility
over time.
3. Air Pollution: Burning vegetation releases carbon
emissions and contributes to air pollution.
4. Biodiversity Loss: Destroys habitats and reduces species
Disadvantage:-
● Low Crop Yields
● Soil Erosion & Landslides
● Deforestation & Habitat Loss
● Soil Nutrients Depletion
● Limited Economic Benefits
Environment Impact:-
● Loss Of Biodiversity
● Soil Degradation
● Climate Change
● Increase Green-House Emissions
● Disruption Of Wildlife Habitats
Future Aspect:-
● Sustainable Practices
● Improved Crop Yields
● Soil conservation
● Capacity Building
● Climate Resilience
Reference:-
- "Jhum Cultivation: A Review of its Disadvantages and
Environmental Effects" by T. K. Singh et al. (2019)
- "Environmental Effects of Jhum Cultivation in North
East India" by A. K. Singh et al. (2017)
- "Sustainable Agriculture Practices in North East India"
by the Government of India (2020)
- "Future of Jhum Cultivation in North East India" by T. K.
Singh et al. (2020)
Reference
“Jhum Cultivation” by the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR)
1. “Shifting Cultivation in India” by the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
