Jhum cultivation is a sustainable farming method practiced by indigenous communities for generations. It involves clearing a small area of land by cutting down vegetation and burning it before planting crops.
After a few years of cultivation, the land is left fallow, allowing it to regenerate naturally. This rotation system helps maintain soil fertility and biodiversity.
3.Community Collaboration:
Jhum cultivation often involves entire communities working together, sharing knowledge and resources to ensure the success of their crops.
Indigenous farmers have developed intricate knowledge of their local ecosystems, allowing them to adapt their cultivation practices to changing environmental conditions.
5.Cultural Significance:
Jhum cultivation is not just a farming technique; it's deeply intertwined with the cultural identity and traditions of many indigenous peoples, often celebrated through rituals and ceremonies.
Jhum cultivation encourages the cultivation of a variety of crops, including rice, maize, millet, vegetables, and herbs. This diversity helps mitigate risks associated with crop failure and ensures food security for communities.
7.Resilience to Climate Change:
Indigenous farmers practicing jhum cultivation have honed techniques that make their farming systems resilient to climate change.
While the initial clearing and burning of land may seem harmful, jhum cultivation actually has a low long-term environmental impact when practiced sustainably.