Some important features of the Jhum cultivation are given below. Pick ...
Some tribal people practiced jhum cultivation also known as shifting cultivation. This was done on small cultivation. This was done on small patches of land, mostly in forests. The cultivators cleared off small patches of land. They then burnt the vegetation and spread the ash from the firing, which contained potash to fertilise the soil. They used equipment like axes and hoe for preparing the soil for cultivation. Then they scattered the seeds on the field. Once the crop was ready and harvested, they moved to another field. Shifting cultivators were found in the hilly and forested tracts of north – east and central India.
View all questions of this test
Some important features of the Jhum cultivation are given below. Pick ...
Explanation:
Jhum cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, is a traditional form of farming practiced by tribal communities in various parts of the world, particularly in hilly and forested areas. It involves clearing a patch of land by cutting down vegetation, burning it, and then cultivating crops on the cleared land for a few years before moving on to a new patch of land.
Features of Jhum cultivation:
1. Cutting tree-tops and burning vegetation: The first step in Jhum cultivation is to cut the tree-tops to allow sunlight to reach the ground. This is necessary for the growth of crops. The vegetation on the land is then burnt, which helps in clearing the land for cultivation. The ash from the burning vegetation, known as potash, is used as a natural fertilizer for the soil.
2. Shifting cultivation: Once a crop is harvested, the cultivators move to another virgin land and leave the old one fallow for many years. This fallow period allows the land to regenerate and regain its fertility. The cultivators may return to the same land after several years when it has recovered, or they may continue to shift to new lands.
3. Small patches of land: Jhum cultivation is typically done on small patches of land, as it is labor-intensive and requires manual clearing of vegetation. The size of the cultivated area depends on the available resources and the needs of the community. This form of cultivation is not suitable for large-scale agriculture or forest cultivation by the tribals.
Explanation for option D:
Option D states that Jhum cultivation is not suitable for forest cultivation by the tribals. This is the correct answer because Jhum cultivation is a form of shifting cultivation that involves clearing small patches of land for temporary cultivation. It is not intended for large-scale or permanent forest cultivation. Instead, it is a sustainable practice that allows the land to regenerate during the fallow period. The tribals practice Jhum cultivation as a means of subsistence farming and to meet their basic needs rather than for extensive forest cultivation.
In conclusion, Jhum cultivation involves cutting tree-tops, burning vegetation, using potash as fertilizer, shifting cultivation, and cultivating small patches of land. It is a traditional and sustainable form of farming practiced by tribal communities, but it is not suitable for large-scale forest cultivation.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed UPSC study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in UPSC.