Jhum cultivation is also called shifting cultivation, and it was practiced on small patches of land, mostly in forests. The tribal cultivators cut the treetops to allow sunlight onto the ground and burnt the vegetation on the land to clear it for cultivation. The ash from the firing was spread in order to fertilise the soil with potash. An axe was used to cut the trees, and a hoe was used to scratch the soil in order to prepare it for cultivation. The seeds were scattered on the ground instead of ploughing the land and sowing the seeds. When the crop was ready and harvested, the tribal groups moved to another field, leaving the land fallow for several years.

Jhum Cultivation: An Overview

Jhum cultivation, also known as shifting cultivation or slash-and-burn agriculture, is an agricultural practice commonly found in various parts of the world, particularly in tropical rainforest areas. It is primarily practiced by indigenous communities who rely on subsistence farming for their livelihoods. This farming method involves clearing a patch of land, burning the vegetation, and then cultivating crops for a few years until the soil fertility decreases, after which the land is left fallow and a new patch is cleared for cultivation. Let's delve deeper into the details of jhum cultivation.

The Process of Jhum Cultivation

1. Clearing the Land: The process begins by selecting a suitable area in the forest, which is then cleared of trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. The land may be prepared by cutting down trees, leaving them to dry, and eventually burning them.

2. Burning the Vegetation: After clearing the land, the accumulated plant biomass is set on fire. This burning serves multiple purposes, such as eliminating pests, weeds, and diseases, as well as providing a layer of ash that acts as a natural fertilizer for the crops.

3. Cultivating Crops: Once the land has been cleared and burned, various crops are planted. These often include staple crops like maize, rice, millets, and root vegetables. The crops are cultivated for a few years until the soil fertility diminishes, typically due to nutrient depletion and weed competition.

4. Leaving the Land Fallow: After a few years of cultivation, the land is left fallow to regenerate and regain its fertility. The length of the fallow period varies depending on the region and the specific practices of the community. During this time, the forest gradually regrows, restoring the ecosystem and soil fertility.

Benefits and Challenges

Benefits of Jhum Cultivation:
- Sustainable: Jhum cultivation allows for the sustainable use of forest resources by rotating cultivation areas, allowing them to recover and maintain biodiversity.
- Adaptability: This method is suitable for hilly and sloping terrains where other forms of agriculture may not be feasible.
- Indigenous Knowledge: Jhum cultivation is deeply rooted in indigenous knowledge and cultural practices, promoting traditional wisdom and community cohesion.

Challenges of Jhum Cultivation:
- Deforestation: The clearing of forests for jhum cultivation can contribute to deforestation and habitat loss, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- Soil Degradation: Continuous use of the same land without adequate fallow periods can lead to soil degradation, reducing its fertility and productivity over time.
- Climate Change: Jhum cultivation is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, and the spread of pests and diseases.

In Conclusion

Jhum cultivation is a traditional agricultural practice that has sustained indigenous communities for generations. While it has its advantages, it also faces challenges in terms of deforestation, soil degradation, and climate change. To ensure the long-term sustainability of jhum cultivation, it is crucial to adopt practices that promote forest conservation, soil fertility management, and climate resilience.

Hiya!

Jhum cultivation or shifting cultivation also known as the slash and burn agriculture is the cultivation of crops and then leaving the field fallow.

It consists of the following processes -

• Cutting of trees in a small patch of land in the forest

• Burning the place entirely

• Using the ashes as manure

• Sowing seeds

• Irrigating the land

• Harvesting

• Shifting to another land leaving it fallow for 4 years

Those who practised this type of cultivation were known as the Jhum cultivators.
Hope that helps ya!