Dimapur, July 1 (MExN): A two-day interactive meeting of experts and jhumias on ‘Alternative to Shifting Cultivation’ was organized by ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Jharnapani, Medziphema on June 29 and 30. A press note received here said that the meeting was attended by Dr. C Rajkhowa, Director, NRC on Mithun, Dr. SV Ngachan, Director, ICAR-RC-NEHR, Umiam, Meghalaya, Dr. LS Moses, Director of Vety & AH, W. Walling, Director of Sericulture, Dr. EH Lotha, Joint Director, Department of Agri and Dr. Rongsentemjen, Project Director, SWC. Vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. MK Patra, Joint Director I/c, ICAR Nagaland Centre. The workshop was attended by 73 representative farmers from all the districts of Nagaland, scientists, 52 officials of district Agriculture Officers, PC of KVKs, other State government officials and World Vision NGO. During these two-days, the following papers were presented: Dr. SV Ngachan-Present status of shifting cultivation in Nagaland/North East India, Dr. Deepak Chetri-Jhum cultivation and its effects, Dr. EH Lotha-Agricultural scenario in Nagaland, Dr. Jonali Devi-Socioeconomic aspects of shifting cultivation, Dr. Supong Keitzar-Crop production in shifting cultivation, Skakiba Yimchunger-Role of bamboo cultivation for livelihood security of jhumias, Dr. RK Singh-Soil and water conservation measures for shifting cultivation areas, Dr. BC Deka-Scope of horticulture to augment the crop productivity under shifting cultivation, Dr. SK Das-Paddy cum fish culture, and Samuel Therieh-Role of NGOs to address the problems of jhum cultivators.
Suggestion drafted for improvement
During the workshop, the farmer representatives also presented their views on the sustenance and improvement of jhum cultivation system. After thorough discussion, the recommendations were drafted by Dr. SV Ngachan, Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Meghalaya, Dr. Supong Keitzar, Ex-Director, Department of Agriculture, Dr. C Rajkhowa, Director, NRC on Mithun, and Dr. Deepak Chetri, Dy. Director, Department of Agriculture.
1. Jhum improvement through building upon indigenous conservation practices along with development of improved varieties of crops, fruits and vegetables, and management practices to improve the productivity of jhum farming system at least by 50% from the present level.
2. Setting up of an independent Regional Resource Centre on shifting cultivation involving various stakeholders to share the knowledge, information and dissemination of technology.
3. Available high-yielding altitude specific varieties of crops should be tested in all the districts of Nagaland.
4. Intensification of improved jhum cultivation and improved fallow management involving physical and biological practices.
5. Improvement of existing and indigenous farm implements and tools to reduce drudgery and increased efficiency of jhumias.
6. Demonstration of site-specific improved agro-forestry/horticulture/ livestock based integrated farming system models for jhum improvement.
7. Locally available feed and fodder to be evaluated and promoted.
8. Frequent interface meeting of State Department of Agriculture/horticulture/veterinary/soil & water conservation/ irrigation/ forestry/ fishery, KVKs, ATMA, Research Institutes and NGOs at District/Block level to take stock of the situation and discuss various options/development programmes on jhum.
9. Making available the required quantity of quality seeds, planting materials and bio-fertilizer in time and place to the farmers.
10. ICAR Nagaland Centre to undertake more research in high altitudes/sloppy lands in regards to improvement of shifting cultivation.
11. Initiation /strengthening of Mithun based integrated farming system involving aquaculture, orchids, MPTs/Bamboo etc. to improve livelihood of jhumias.
12. Appropriate soil and water conservation measures including water harvesting should be encouraged in jhum areas on priority basis for sustainable production.
13. Since jhum is indispensable, synergy among the departments/research institutes/universities for convergence of available programmes (e.g., RKVY, MNREGS, NWDPRA, HTM MM-2 etc.) in a holistic manner should be taken up for improvement of the existing systems.
14. Strengthening the existing government policy and act on jhum regulation and forest policy involving local people/village development council without any prejudice.
15. Organizing awareness programmes in local language.
