Jhumming is a type of agriculture.

Explanation:
Jhumming, also known as shifting cultivation or slash-and-burn agriculture, is a traditional farming practice used in various parts of the world, particularly in the hilly regions of Northeast India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa and South America. It is a method of agriculture where the land is cleared by slashing and burning the vegetation, and then crops are cultivated for a few years until the fertility of the soil decreases, after which the land is left fallow and a new plot is cleared and cultivated.

Here is a detailed explanation of jhumming agriculture:

1. Definition and Process:
- Jhumming, derived from the Assamese word "jhum," means "to slash and burn."
- It involves clearing a patch of land by cutting down trees and vegetation.
- The cleared land is then set on fire, which burns the vegetation and releases nutrients into the soil.
- After the fire subsides, the ashes are mixed with the soil, making it fertile for cultivation.
- Crops such as rice, maize, millet, and vegetables are grown on the cleared land.

2. Cycle of Cultivation:
- The cultivation cycle in jhumming typically lasts for 2-3 years.
- The first year is known as the "burnt year," where crops are planted on the newly cleared and fertile land.
- The second year is called the "weedy year," as weeds tend to dominate the field.
- In the third year, known as the "fallow year," the land is left undisturbed to regain its fertility.
- The farmer then moves to a new plot of land, and the cycle repeats.

3. Advantages and Challenges:
- Jhumming has been practiced for centuries and is adapted to the specific ecological conditions of the region.
- It allows farmers to cultivate crops in areas with poor soil fertility and limited access to modern agricultural inputs.
- The fallow period allows the land to regenerate, restoring its fertility and biodiversity.
- However, jhumming is often criticized for its environmental impact, such as deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity.

Overall, jhumming is a type of agriculture that involves clearing land through slashing and burning, followed by cultivating crops for a few years before moving to a new plot. It is an age-old farming practice that has both advantages and challenges, making it a topic of discussion and debate in agricultural and environmental circles.