Previous Year Question

Jhumming or Jhum Cultivation is a form of Shifting Cultivation traditionally practised in the northeastern states of India. The Khasi tribe, primarily inhabiting the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, has historically been associated with Jhum Cultivation. This agricultural practice is particularly associated with hilly and forested regions.

Jhum Cultivation is also known as Slash-and-Burn Cultivation. In this method, vegetation and bushes are cut, dried, and subsequently burned to prepare the land for cultivation. The ash of burned vegetation supplies certain mineral nutrients, including potassium, to the soil. Crops such as rice, maize, millet, and various vegetables are grown on the prepared land.

Under this agricultural system, land is generally cultivated for a limited period and then left Fallow to allow natural vegetation and soil fertility to recover. Farmers subsequently move to another plot for cultivation. An adequate fallow period allows land regeneration, but shortening the Jhum Cycle can increase problems such as Soil Erosion, nutrient depletion, and loss of vegetation cover.

In India, Jhum Cultivation is not confined to the Khasi tribe; different forms have also traditionally been practised by the Garo, Naga, Mizo, and other northeastern tribal communities. Among the given options, the Bhotia are primarily associated with the Himalayan region, the Santhal with eastern India, and the Toda with the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. The Toda tribe is particularly known for buffalo rearing. Thus, among the given options, the Khasi tribe is associated with Jhum Cultivation.