Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

Vol 27, Issue 4, 2021; Page No.(1985-1990)

TRADITIONAL PRACTICE OF JHUM AGRICULTURE IN HILLY TERRAIN BY THE WANCHO: A STUDY OF LONGDING DISTRICT, ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Wangjaw Wangsu

Abstract

The present study attempts to bring traditional Jhum agriculture known as Zim-Zu by the Wancho in Longding district, Arunachal Pradesh. Agricultural practice stands for set of methods, procedure, process or rule which becomes habitual action or performance or custom in a given geographical location. The discussion is mainly based on primary source of information like observation and interaction with the local inhabitants over a considerable period of time and also substantiated by, wherever possible, with secondary sources of data. Traditionally the Economic mainstay of Wancho is shifting (Jhum) Cultivation. Through this study it is observed that Socio-cultural life of Wancho revolved around systematically arrange agricultures which are administered by village council headed by village chief called Wangham. Temporal and spatial aspect of shifting cultivation is performed under well-defined traditional rule and regulation. Wancho villages are arranged in such a way that each village has its position in the centre of their territory and divide their land into sector wise with settlement serve as a centre point. Every household will have one or more unit of plot in each Sector. Each of these sectors is being selected for cultivation each year base on local calendar. It is also observed that the duration of revisit depends upon Size of land and number of sectors of that village. Such arrangement is meant to ensure fertility and sustainability of land. Even today Jhum is dominant economic activities of Wancho with more than 90% engaged in it. However, People are now looking for diversification of agricultural field from traditional mode.