Shifting cultivation
Shifting cultivation
Shifting cultivation is a traditional agricultural practice
in which farmers clear a piece of land, usually through slash-and-burn methods,
to grow crops for a few years. Once the soil fertility declines, the land is
abandoned, and the farmer moves to a new plot, allowing the previous land to
naturally regenerate its fertility over time. This cycle of cultivation and
fallowing continues, with each plot of land being used for agriculture for a
short period before being left to recover.
Shifting cultivation goes by various names around the world,
reflecting regional differences in practices and cultural contexts. Here are
some of the names and the corresponding countries or regions where they are
practiced:
1. Jhum - India (Northeast states
such as Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland), Bangladesh
2. Milpa - Central America,
particularly in Mexico and Guatemala
3. Roca - Brazil
4. Ladang - Indonesia and Malaysia
5. Taungya - Myanmar, Thailand
6. Ray - Vietnam
7. Conuco - Venezuela, Dominican Republic
8. Masole - Democratic Republic of the
Congo
9. Chitemene - Zambia
10. Tavy - Madagascar
11. Kaingin - Philippines
12. Slash-and-burn - Common term used in various parts of
the world, particularly in tropical regions of Africa, Southeast Asia, and
South America
Shifting cultivation is characterized by its sustainable
aspects when practiced on a small scale and with appropriate fallow periods.
However, large-scale or shortened fallow periods can lead to deforestation,
loss of biodiversity, and soil degradation.
Comments
Post a Comment