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.

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