Newmai News Network
Imphal | May 27
Considering the high cost, labour and energy input, the practice of jhum cultivation has considerably declined in the hill districts of Manipur now.
“Majority of the farmers in the hills have started growing vegetables and fruits which are more profitable. Production cost of shifting cultivation is very high now,” says Asing Shimray, president of Federation of All Tribal Youth Clubs, Manipur (FATYCM).
Cultivation and production of Parkia speciosa better known as yongchak – a favourite of Manipuris, and brinjal, pumpkin, cabbage and cauliflower has been widely adopted by farmers for higher returns, he says.
Asing, hailing from Ukhrul district, states that the economy of the hills needs to be improved. The Manipur government has been doing little for the development of the hill people, he claims.
“The hill wages have changed over the past three-four years. The farmers here have chosen piggery, poultry and vegetable and fruit cultivation. They’re no longer interested in the traditional farming system,” observes Ngachonmi Chamroy, a social worker from Ukhrul.
He said introduction of MGNREGS has also played a vital role in the overall economy of the hill people.
Ngachonmi said vegetable and fruit plantation is now economically viable in the hills where the practice of shifting cultivation is no more sustainable owing to high cost of inputs.
Rice is an important crop in Manipur but the state has low productivity. An area of about 10 percent of the valley and hills combined is under cultivation. Jhum cultivation, which is practised traditionally by the tribal people, is a problem as it causes soil erosion.
The overall forest area has also gradually declined in Manipur over the years. As per an official record, the share of forest cover in the total geographical area of the state declined to about 76 percent in 2013 with the specific reason being the practice of shifting cultivation and biotic pressure in major parts of the state. “We also need charcoal fuel almost throughout the year. The people have to cut down trees in need of fuel,” Ngachonmi Chamroy added.
He said sufficient supply of domestic LPG and electricity in the hills can help solve the problem of deforestation which is detrimental to the environment.
“Towards that end, NGOs and environmentalists are playing a major role in spreading awareness among the hill people to stop them from indulging in such practices. I think the endeavour will produce better outcomes in future if the government is sincere enough,” Ngachonmi insists.
Ramkung Pamei, editor of The Cham, a Tamenglong-based daily newspaper, suggests that the outlook of the hill people has changed nowadays. “Few people want jhum cultivation now in the hills.”
“As it happens, we cannot stop this practice totally. If there are bandh, strikes and natural calamities, I think shortage of food will occur. But the practice has significantly declined,” he remarks and adds that growing ‘u-morok’ (chilli) and other vegetables can be profitable.
He says that families from remote areas of Tamenglong district are continuously migrating to the town area to earn wages for their living.
