Extent of area under shifting cultivation (Jhum) in North East India has been reduced: A case study at Aizwal district of Mizoram

Author: H.C. Kalita, P. Dutta, S. Borah and Vishram Ram

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Abstract

The term "shifting cultivation" refers to a broad range of crop producing techniques. After growing crops for two to three years, the land is left fallow for a number of years before being further cultivated. The locations under various jhum cycles are currently inadequate. Shifting cultivation often occurs in remote and difficult-to-reach regions, such as dense forests, hilly terrain, and remote valleys. This makes it challenging to physically access and survey these areas. Therefore, to locate moving farmed areas, IRS and LISS-III sensor data from many time periods were used in satellite imagery. While for the years 1988, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, and 2000, Land-sat TM satellite imagery was used. ERDAS IMAGINE 9.2 image processing has been used to digitally process the satellite data relevant to research region. A correct fallow cycle of shifting agriculture may help to increase watershed conservation while maximizing crop productivity. The jhum regions of the Aizawl district's overall geographic area declined by 5.08% to 3.04%. Jhum cycles covered more land in the order of 5 yrs> 10 yrs> 7 yrs>15 yrs. However, it was revealed that there was no place in the Aizawl district with a 20-year cycle. The estimated jhum cycle data may be useful for good strategic jhum farming management in the region.

Keywords

Shifting cultivation, Jhum, Fallow cycle, North East India

Conclusion

The jhum farming or shifting cultivation is the practice of cultivating crops by slashing and burning the vegetation in dry season and planting crops in wet season for 1-2 years. The total jhum area of study sites Aizawl of North East India is decreasing since 1988. The highest area of jhum cultivation in Aizawl is under 5 years cycle followed by 10 years cycle, 7 years cycle and 15 years cycle. Remote sensing with time series data and GIS techniques helped in accurate and precise analysis of jhum fallow cycles. These data could contribute to management of jhum farming and helps in proper strategies to the policy makers of a region.

References

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How to cite this article

H.C. Kalita, P. Dutta, S. Borah and Vishram Ram (2023). Extent of Area under shifting Cultivation (Jhum) in North East India has been reduced: A case study at Aizwal district of Mizoram. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(10): 01-06.