Question

What is ‘Jhumming’?

Answer 1

Jhumming is a traditional slash-and-burn farming method used largely by tribal groups in northeast India. Farmers clear a piece of forest, burn the plants to enrich the soil with ash, and then cultivate crops until the soil loses fertility. When the area deteriorates, they abandon it and relocate to a new forest plot, leaving the old patch to restore naturally over time. However, due to population increase, shortened fallow seasons have led to environmental issues such as deforestation and soil erosion.