Jhum cultivation (also called shifting cultivation) is a traditional method of farming in which a piece of land is cleared, cultivated for a few years, and then left fallow while farmers move to a new area.
Definition
Jhum cultivation is a type of agriculture where:
- Forest land is cut and burned
- Crops are grown for 2–3 years
- Soil fertility decreases, so farmers shift to another area
Process of Jhum Cultivation
- Clearing land by cutting trees
- Burning vegetation to add nutrients (ash)
- Sowing seeds without ploughing
- Cultivating crops for a short period
- Leaving land fallow and moving to a new area
Regions in India
Jhum cultivation is mainly practiced in:
- Assam
- Meghalaya
- Mizoram
- Nagaland
- Tripura
Examples of Crops
- Rice
- Maize
- Millets
- Vegetables
Advantages
- Provides natural nutrients through ash
- Requires simple tools
- Suitable for hilly areas
Disadvantages
- Leads to deforestation
- Causes soil erosion
- Reduces soil fertility over time
Summary
Jhum cultivation is a shifting farming method where land is used temporarily and then abandoned to restore fertility.