The correct answer is: All of the above.
Jhum cultivation is a traditional practice in Mizoram where farmers clear a patch of forest, burn the vegetation, and then plant crops on the ash-enriched soil. The land is then abandoned for several years to allow the forest to regenerate.
Jhum cultivation is a low-productivity system that requires a lot of labor. It also has a number of environmental impacts, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to abandon jhum cultivation in favor of more sustainable agricultural practices. However, this is a difficult transition, as jhum cultivation is deeply embedded in Mizo culture and tradition.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Low productivity: Jhum cultivation is a low-productivity system because the land is only used for a short period of time before it is abandoned. This means that farmers have to clear new land every few years, which is a very labor-intensive process. Additionally, the soil on abandoned jhum land is often degraded, which makes it difficult to grow crops.
- Environmental concerns: Jhum cultivation has a number of environmental impacts, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. When farmers clear a patch of forest for jhum cultivation, they remove the trees and other vegetation that help to protect the soil from erosion. This can lead to the loss of topsoil, which is essential for crop growth. Additionally, the burning of vegetation releases pollutants into the air, which can contribute to air pollution and climate change.
- Labor-intensive nature: Jhum cultivation is a labor-intensive system because it requires a lot of work to clear the land, plant the crops, and then harvest the crops. Additionally, farmers have to move to a new plot of land every few years, which is a very time-consuming process.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.