Process and cycle of shifting cultivation
- Slash-and-burn clearance: Forest trees, bamboo, and brush are felled during winter and allowed to dry on the slopes.
- Burning: Dried biomass is burned in late spring before pre-monsoon showers, creating a mineral ash layer that enriches the soil with potassium and phosphorus.
- Mixed cropping: Seeds of rice, maize, millets, ginger, chillies, and vegetables are dibbled directly into the ash-covered soil without tillage.
- Abandonment: Cultivated for 1 to 2 seasons until fertility declines and weed pressure rises, after which the plot is left fallow to regenerate.
Major disadvantages and ecological consequences
- Severe deforestation and biodiversity loss: Constant clearing of primary and secondary forests destroys wildlife habitats and reduces carbon sequestration.
- Topsoil erosion: Burning destroys soil organic matter and exposes steep hillside topsoil to heavy monsoon rainfall, causing severe soil erosion.
- Shortened fallow cycles: Fallow periods have reduced from 15-20 years down to 3-5 years, preventing adequate forest and soil nutrient regeneration.
- Low agricultural productivity: Limited inputs and high erosion lead to diminishing crop yields, perpetuating rural subsistence poverty.
Sustainable alternatives and transition programs
State governments in the North-Eastern region, supported by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and ICAR, promote settled agriculture. Replacing Jhum on steep slopes with terraced cultivation, perennial fruit orchards (pineapple, orange, banana), spices (large cardamom, turmeric), and settled livestock systems provides stable rural livelihoods while restoring hillslope ecosystems.
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Common questions
What is the local name for shifting cultivation in North-East India?
In North-East India, shifting cultivation is commonly called Jhum (or Jhuming).
Why has shifting cultivation become ecologically unsustainable today?
Population growth has drastically shortened fallow periods from 15-20 years to just 3-5 years, which does not allow sufficient time for soil fertility and forest cover to regenerate.
What are the best alternatives to shifting cultivation for hill farmers?
Sustainable alternatives include settled bench terracing, multi-tier agroforestry, organic spice cultivation, and fruit orchards combined with soil conservation measures.
General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.
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