The practice of Jhum cultivation is prevalent in the __________.

The correct answer is North East.

Key Points

• Jhum cultivation, also known as shifting cultivation, is widely practiced in the North Eastern states of India, including Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Tripura.
• It involves clearing forested land by slash-and-burn methods, cultivating crops for a few years, and then leaving the land fallow to restore fertility.
• Jhum cultivation is often carried out by indigenous tribes who rely on this method for subsistence farming and maintaining their traditional way of life.
• This form of agriculture is particularly suited to the hilly terrain and heavy rainfall conditions of the North East region.
• The practice has raised concerns about deforestation, soil erosion, and environmental degradation, prompting efforts to introduce alternative sustainable farming methods.

Additional Information

• Shifting Cultivation:
  • Shifting cultivation is an agricultural system where land is cultivated temporarily and then abandoned to allow natural vegetation to regenerate.
  • It is primarily practiced in tropical and subtropical regions with heavy rainfall and dense forest cover.
• Slash-and-Burn Method:
  • This method involves cutting down vegetation and burning it to clear land for agriculture.
  • While it provides short-term fertility through ash, it can lead to long-term soil degradation and loss of biodiversity.
• Environmental Concerns:
  • Jhum cultivation contributes to deforestation, loss of wildlife habitats, and soil erosion.
  • Efforts are being made to shift farmers to terrace farming and agroforestry to mitigate these impacts.
• Government Initiatives:
  • The Indian government and NGOs are promoting sustainable agricultural practices to replace Jhum cultivation.
  • Programs like Integrated Tribal Development Projects aim to improve livelihoods while conserving the environment.
• Traditional Knowledge:
  • Jhum cultivation reflects the indigenous knowledge systems of tribal communities, including crop rotation and soil management.
  • Preservation of this knowledge is critical for understanding sustainable farming practices in specific ecological contexts.