Shifting Cultivation (also called Slash and Burn Agriculture or Jhum Cultivation) is one of the oldest farming methods in the world. Farmers clear a patch of forest by cutting and burning the trees, farm on it for 2–3 years, then abandon it and move to a new patch.
Other Names: Slash and burn, Jhum, Swidden agriculture.
Practiced By: Tribal communities in forests and hills.
Major Problem: Contributes to deforestation.
Rotation Cycle: 10–20 years for land to recover.
| Region | Local Name |
|---|---|
| Northeast India (Nagaland, Assam) | Jhum |
| Andhra Pradesh/Odisha | Podu |
| Madhya Pradesh/Chhattisgarh | Bewar / Dahiya |
| Kerala | Kumri |
Advantages: Low cost, no need for chemical fertilizers, sustainable when population is low.
Disadvantages: Destroys forests, contributes to soil erosion, low productivity at scale, releases carbon (deforestation).
Shifting cultivation is a farming method where forests are cleared by cutting and burning, crops are grown for 2–3 years, and then the farmer moves to a new area as soil fertility drops.
Jhum is the local name for shifting cultivation practiced by tribal communities in Northeast India, especially in Nagaland, Mizoram, and Assam.
What is the Full Form of NOTA in Elections?
Learn the exact full form of NOTA (None Of The Above). Understand why the massive Supreme Court of India introduced this powerful button in the EVM voting machines.
What is the Full Form of NRHM?
Learn the full form of NRHM (National Rural Health Mission). Understand this massive Indian government scheme designed to provide medical care to the poorest villages.
What is the Meaning of OD in Medical Prescription?
Learn the exact full form of OD (Once a Day) in medical prescriptions. Understand the massive difference between OD, BD, and TDS when taking medicine.
Partial Curl Up — Procedure, Norms and Purpose
Partial curl up is a physical fitness test to measure abdominal muscular endurance. Learn the procedure, scoring norms, purpose and tips for the modified curl-up test.
What are the Passing Marks out of 100 & 50 in India?
Learn the exact mathematical passing marks out of 100, 80, and 50 for CBSE, ICSE, and Indian State Board exams. Understand the strict 33% passing rule.
Turn this guide into revision flashcards, a practice exam, or an AI-generated podcast — free, no signup required.