Question

Jhum cultivators plough the land and sow the seeds. True or false?

Answer 1

Hint: This method of farming can be seen considerably in Northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Manipur. What is common here is the tropical climate, and is usually found in the continents of Africa and Asia. Think about why this method is good for the replenishment of soil with minerals like potash (from the ash).

Complete answer:
Jhum cultivators practice shifting or slash and burn cultivation. Their agriculture implements were all organic, namely the plough, axe and hoe. Their manure was from their own migrating cattle.
- This was optimum for forested and hilly areas. This practice in the current context has diminished by more than 70%. This has called for innovative governance and replacement of tracts with agricultural land.
- A variety of crops are grown, ranging from vegetables, tubers like potatoes and yams, soybeans and grain like maize and barley. While these were enough for self-sustenance, this was not economically viable alone.
- Some disadvantages of this method include deforestation and large scale production of toxic gases like CO2 and NO2. This however due to being practised by a few marginalized groups does not show up on records significantly.
Therefore, the correct answer is false.

Note: Other differences include their practice of scattering seeds instead of ploughing in the forests, and circulate from one fallow patch of land to the other. This period can last over a decade. The cultivators would sometimes clear the high branches of surrounding trees to ensure enough rainfall and sunlight.