Know All About Jhoom Farming Or Shifting Cultivation

Shifting Cultivation is a practice where farmers cultivate their crops for two to three seasons and then the land is abandoned. Usually, this kind of activity is performed in hilly regions like North Eastern Region, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, and many more.

Farmers usually use the land for a while until the land is completely devoid of nutrients. When the farming is completed it is then left for the land to regain fertility. Usually, this kind of process produces less yield but still provides suitable profitability.

Here are some top benefits of the application of shifting cultivation:-

1. It is a very helpful process in growing quality crops in hilly areas. It requires very less maintenance. With minimal tools and facilities, one can easily remove weeds and cultivate crops.

2. This procedure helps in regaining the lost nutrients in the field. As they are left for the next phase of cultivation it allows the land to gain all the required nutrients without requiring soil amendments. Without extra inputs and the application of modern technology, soil fertility can easily get replenished.

3. One of the benefits that Jhoom farming provide is short-term profits. This system can be easily used to cultivate seasonal crops through which farmers can get enormous benefits. They reside for a short period.

4. There is less risk of flood occurrence. This is because the land can be regularly irrigated by stream water in hilly regions.

5. As it's a slash-and-burn method therefore there is less chance of soil-borne diseases. The temperature prevents soil disease occurrence.

Let’s talk about their Cons:-

1. Shifting cultivation has distorted greenery and forest farming. Due to the slash-and-burn method, many species get homeless. Moreover, they convert the fertile soil into barren land. We have an example, Cherrapunji, Meghalaya this practice has resulted in converting the evergreen forest into brown terrains.

2. Heavy burning has resulted in major destruction. This has also resulted in soil erosion. This results in causing major floods in low-lying areas and an increase in water levels in rivers and banks.

3. Due to immense deforestation, there has been an excess loss of biodiversity. Also, the procedure will be less profitable.

5. As this process grows seasonal crops, farmers stay for a very short period. Therefore farmers can not invest in their land for improving their fields for irrigation, pest control, and other.

Also Read:-

Subsistence Farming in India And Its Benefits

Orchid Farming In India And The Essential Tools Required In It

Benefits of Mixed Vegetable Farming and The Tools Used in It