Shifting cultivation and perspectives of Jhumias to climate change: A study in hill districts of Manipur

Abstract

Shifting or Jhum cultivation is affected by a number of socio-economic and climatic factors. The present study attempted to examine the perspectives of the jhumias in crop cultivation and their livelihood in the context of the changing socio-climatic situation. The study is based on primary data collected from three jhum cultivating hill districts of Manipur state. The study found that early sowing and early harvesting of crops compared to farming in valley areas helped the jhumias to fetch a higher price for the crop produced. Cultivation of pea and cabbage gave the highest net return with a B:C ratio of 2.34 and 1.7 respectively. It was found that expenses in crop production were self-financed as none of the Jhumias received credit from formal banks even though they possessed bank account. Poor access to agri inputs, pest and disease infestation and high cost of hired labour were the major constraints faced by the jhumias. During the last two decades, climate change had caused tangible and physical changes in the resources and assets of the community which includes shortage of potable water, a decrease of forest area, drying up of natural springs and ponds and decrease in number of livestock. For long-term sustenance and conservation of the ecosystem, the conversion of jhum to permanent cultivation by adopting a scientific Integrated farming system model and financial empowerment by delivering agri-credit could enable the system to sustain in the adverse climatic aberration.