Jhum Cultivation Explained

Jhum cultivation, also widely known as slash and burn agriculture, is a traditional farming method practiced in various parts of the world. It involves clearing a piece of land by slashing and burning the existing vegetation, cultivating crops on the cleared land for a short period, and then abandoning the land to allow it to regenerate naturally.

Practice in North-eastern States

This agricultural technique, Jhum cultivation, is predominantly practiced in the North-eastern states of India. These states include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and parts of other states.

• The practice is deeply integrated into the culture and economy of the tribal communities residing in these hilly and forested regions.
• The cycle typically involves clearing a patch of forest, burning the debris, and using the ash as a fertilizer for cultivation.
• After a few years, when the soil fertility decreases, the farmers move to a new location, allowing the previously cultivated land to fallow and recover.

While it's a traditional practice, its sustainability is often debated due to environmental concerns like deforestation and soil erosion. However, understanding its geographical prevalence is key to understanding regional agricultural patterns.