The correct answer is: a) Hill tribes.
Jhum cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, is a traditional agricultural practice in which forests are cleared and burned to make way for crops. The land is then cultivated for a few years before being abandoned and allowed to regenerate. This practice is often used by hill tribes in Southeast Asia and other parts of the world.
There are several reasons why hill tribes practice jhum cultivation. First, it is a way to clear land for cultivation. Second, it is a way to fertilize the soil with ash from the burned trees. Third, it is a way to control pests and diseases. Fourth, it is a way to manage the forest.
Jhum cultivation has both positive and negative impacts. On the positive side, it is a sustainable way to use land that is not suitable for other types of agriculture. It also helps to maintain the biodiversity of the forest. On the negative side, it can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution.
In recent years, there has been a decline in the practice of jhum cultivation. This is due to a number of factors, including the expansion of commercial agriculture, the development of infrastructure, and the government’s efforts to promote sustainable land use practices.
Despite the decline in its practice, jhum cultivation remains an important part of the culture and economy of many hill tribes. It is a way of life that has been passed down for generations, and it is a way of connecting with the land.