Question

Explain the following term.

Jhumming

Answer 1

1. Jhumming is a traditional form of shifting agriculture, also called jhum or slash-and-burn cultivation, practiced by many hill and tribal communities in Northeast India, Bangladesh, and other tropical highland regions. Farmers clear a forest patch by cutting and burning vegetation, cultivate it for a few years using primitive tools and fallow when soil fertility declines.
2. Crops often rice and tubers are grown for subsistence with minimal external inputs. Jhumming supports local livelihoods and cultural practices but can cause deforestation, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss when population pressures shorten fallow periods, seeking sustainable livelihoods and land-use practices.