Question

Did you find something about jhum farming? What is it?

Answer 1

Hint: The practise of growing crops or rearing animals to earn a livelihood is known as farming. In India, farming is the primary occupation in the rural areas.

Complete Answer:
- Jhum farming is also known as slash and burn agriculture. In this type of farming, the weeds present are not removed but instead are burnt and the ashes which are formed is then mixed with the soil.
- Unlike, regular farming practises the land is not ploughed but instead shallow trenches are made in the soil in which seeds are sown.
- One more thing to be noted is that, single variety of seeds is not sown, mixed seeds of various crops are sown, for example - Chillies, vegetables, maize, sesame, paddy, etc

Now let us look into the advantages of jhum farming.
- This mode of farming helps in replenishment of soil as it helps the soil to regain all the nutrients which it had lost during the cultivation.
- The burnt ashes act like a natural fertilizer to the soil.
- The efficiency is high as the productivity in a small area is high.
- It is an environmentally friendly way as no fertilizers are used.
- It helps in controlling weeds and other unwanted plants.
- It is also a sustainable method of farming.
- It also helps in preventing soil borne pests thereby preventing soil borne diseases.

Note: The disadvantages of jhum farming are,
- It can promote deforestation, which is very bad for the environment.
- As there is burning involved, it can also lead to air pollution.
- It can also lead to loss of biodiversity.