Cropping and yields in agricultural systems of the north-eastern hill region of India

Abstract

Shifting agriculture locally known as jhum is the predominant form of agriculture used by the local tribe of the north-eastern hill region of India. There is also some valley rice cultivation and terrace cultivation. The structure and some functional aspects of these three agro-ecosystem types are discussed and compared. The 30 year jhum cycle has the advantage over the 10 or 5 year cycle apart from higher yields, in that the monetary output/input ratio under a 30 year jhum cycle is comparatively favourable. Further, the 30 year jhum cycle is advantageous over terrace cultivation as the latter needs heavy inputs of fertilizers. The main advantage of settled valley cultivation is the raising of crops consistent in yield year after year from the same site.