1. SAM HIGGINBOTTOM UNIVERSITY OF
AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCES
PRAYAGRAJ (UP)
COURSE CODE: AGRN-780
Master seminar
on
Jhumming cultivation(Shifting cultivaion)
Submitted to:-
Dr. Shikha Singh
Department of Agronomy
SHUATS Prayagraj (UP).
Submitted by :-
Manikant Kumar
PID NO :-23MSAAG071
M.Sc.(Agril.) Agoronomy
(2023-24 1st Sem)
2. • Introduction.
• Definition of shifting cultivation.
• Historical evolution of shifting cultivation.
• The environmental impact of shifting cultivation.
• Traditional knowledge and indigenous practices.
• Sustainable Practices and Innovations
Jhumming cultivation (Shifting cultivaion)
CONTENTS
3. 1. Shifting cultivation , often referred to as ‘’ jhum ‘’ or’’ slash-and- burn’’
agriculture.
2. The agriculture system involves clearing land to cultivating the crops for few
year.
3. The environmental impacts and sustainability shifting cultivation practices
come under increased scrutiny in recent decades.
4. Ladang( malaysia).
5. Roca(brazil).
6. Masole(congo)
7. Milpa(mixico).
INTRODUCTION
4. • Shifting cultivation, often referred to as "jhum" or "slash-and-burn" agriculture
In the practice of “slash and burn”, farmers would cut the native vegetation and
burn it, then plant crops in the exposed, ash-fertilized soil for two or three
seasons in succession.
• It has been a traditional farming practice in India for centuries, particularly
prevalent in the northeastern and central tribal regions. This agricultural system
involves clearing land, cultivating crops for a few years, and then moving to a
new plot once soil fertility declines
• Shifting cultivation is a mode of farming long followed in the humid tropics of
Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia and South America..
DEFINATION OF JHUMMING CULTIVATION
5. • In the practice of “slash and burn”, farmers would cut the native vegetation and
burn it, then plant crops in the exposed, ash-fertilized soil for two or three
seasons in succession.
• As the original organic matter reserve in the topsoil decomposed and as the
high rainfall would leach out the nutrients from the root zone, the farmers
would abandon the cleared plot and move to an adjacent patch of forest.
• They would allow each cultivated plot to recover its vegetation and fertility for
some fifteen or twenty years before returning to it.
• Soil fertility then began to deteriorate, owing to the extraction of nutrients
without replenishment and to progressive erosion of the bared soil.
DEFINATION OF JHUMMING CULTIVATION
7. Historical evolution of shifting cultivation.
• Shifting cultivation, known locally as "jhum" or "podu," has deep historical
roots in India, particularly among tribal and indigenous communities.
• Its origins can be traced back to ancient agricultural practices that harmonized
with the forested landscape.
• Over centuries, shifting cultivation in India evolved in response to diverse
geographical and cultural contexts.
• The shifting cultivation system was often intertwined with traditional belief
systems and communal land management practices.
• During colonial rule, the British administration attempted to regulate and control
shifting cultivation due to concerns about deforestation and revenue collection.
• This period witnessed efforts to replace shifting cultivation with sedentary
agriculture, leading to conflicts with tribal communities who resisted these
changes
8. The environmental impact of shifting cultivation.
• Soil Erosion and Degradation: Shifting cultivation involves clearing and burning
a patch of forest to create agricultural fields. it often leads to soil erosion and
degradation when overused
• Biodiversity Loss: The practice often involves clearing patches of forests, which
can lead to habitat destruction and fragmentation
• Carbon Sequestration and Climate Change: When forests are cleared for
shifting cultivation, this stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere,
contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Additionally, the
burning of vegetation during the preparation of fields releases CO2 and other
pollutants into the air, further exacerbating the environmental impact.
• Water Resource Management: Shifting cultivation can impact water resources in
several ways. The removal of vegetation cover can reduce the ability of the land to
retain rainwater, leading to increased runoff and soil erosion. This can result in
reduced water availability for both agriculture and downstream communities.
• Air Quality and Deforestation: The burning of vegetation during the preparation
of shifting cultivation fields can have adverse effects on air quality. It releases
particulate matter, carbon emissions, and other pollutants into the atmosphere,
contributing to air pollution.
9. Traditional knowledge and indigenous practices.
• Historical Significance: Indigenous communities in India have practiced
shifting cultivation for centuries. Their methods are deeply rooted in the
understanding of local ecosystems, soil types, and climate patterns.
• Crop Selection: Indigenous knowledge often dictates which crops to plant
during specific seasons and in particular areas. This knowledge considers factors
like soil fertility, moisture levels, and pest resistance.
• Crop Rotation: Indigenous practices typically involve crop rotation strategies
that help maintain soil fertility and prevent soil erosion. Different crops are grown
in different cycles to ensure sustainable land use
• Terracing and Contour Farming: Some indigenous communities employ
terracing and contour farming techniques to manage water runoff and prevent soil
erosion on hilly terrains.
• Seed Saving and Propagation: Indigenous farmers often save and exchange
seeds adapted to local conditions. This preserves biodiversity and ensures the
resilience of crops to environmental changes.
• Forest Management: Many indigenous communities have a deep understanding
of forest management, including the sustainable harvesting of timber and non-
timber forest products. This knowledge is vital for maintaining the integrity of
forest ecosystems.
10. • Agroforestry Models: Agroforestry is an innovative approach that integrates trees
or woody perennials with crops and/or livestock, promoting sustainability in shifting
cultivation practices. These models offer multiple benefits, including enhanced soil
fertility, improved biodiversity, and increased resilience to climate change.
• Crop Rotation and Intercropping: Crop rotation and intercropping are time-tested
strategies that can improve soil health and crop yields while reducing the
environmental impact of shifting cultivation.
• Terracing and Conservation Agriculture: Terraces control water flow and soil
movement, while conservation agriculture minimizes disturbance to the soil,
preserving its structure and fertility.
• Community-Based Initiatives:. These initiatives often include knowledge sharing,
resource management, and collective efforts to reduce environmental impacts.
Sustainable Practices and Innovations
11. • Bhat, D. M., et al. (2016). Shifting cultivation in India: Potential for
socioeconomic and environmental sustainability. Environmental
Development, 18, 15-24.
• Saxena, N. C., & Sahu, S. C. (2019). Shifting cultivation and its effects on
the environment: A critical synthesis of the issues and challenges in India.
Environmental Management, 64(2), 141-155.
• Ramakrishnan, P. S., et al. (2017). Shifting agriculture in India: Implications
for environmental conservation. Ambio, 46(1), 48-59.
• Singh, R. K., & Chaturvedi, R. K. (2018). Shifting cultivation in India:
Problems, constraints, and prospects for sustainable agriculture. Journal of
Soil and Water Conservation, 17(3), 226-237
• Nanda, A. S. (1999). Shifting Cultivation in India: An Analysis. Indus
Publishing.
• Ramakrishnan, P. S. (1992). Shifting Agriculture and Sustainable
Development: An Interdisciplinary Study from North-Eastern India.
UNESCO.
• Kumar, S. (2011). Shifting Cultivation in India: Problems, Policy, and
Livelihoods. Economic and Political Weekly, 46(38), 61-70
References
