Question

Give some examples of economic activities of tribal people.

Answer 1

1. Shifting Cultivation (Jhum or Slash-and-Burn): Tribals clear a patch of forest, cultivate it for a few years, then move to a new area once soil fertility declines.
2. Hunting and Gathering: Collecting forest produce like fruits, honey, medicinal plants, and herbs, and hunting animals for food and trade.
3. Fishing: Many tribal communities living near rivers, lakes, or coastal areas depend on fishing as a primary economic activity.
4. Animal Husbandry: Rearing cattle, goats, poultry, and other animals for milk, meat, and livelihood.
5. Handicrafts and Handloom: Making items like bamboo products, pottery, beadwork, and weaving traditional textiles for personal use or sale.
6. Forest-based Activities: Collecting and selling minor forest produce like tendu leaves, lac, gum, and firewood.
7. Agriculture: In settled areas, some tribal groups practice permanent farming using traditional methods.