The correct answer is: All of the above.
Shifting cultivation, locally known as “Jhum”, is a traditional agricultural practice in which farmers clear a piece of land by cutting and burning the vegetation, then cultivate the land for a few years before moving on to a new plot. This practice is still practiced in parts of Arunachal Pradesh due to a number of factors, including:
- Limited availability of land: Arunachal Pradesh is a mountainous state with a relatively small population. The amount of land available for agriculture is therefore limited, and shifting cultivation is a way to make use of this limited land.
- Terrain: The terrain in Arunachal Pradesh is also a factor that contributes to the practice of shifting cultivation. The state is home to a number of mountain ranges, and the land is often steep and hilly. This makes it difficult to use traditional methods of agriculture, such as plowing and irrigation. Shifting cultivation is a more sustainable way to farm in this type of terrain.
- Tradition: Shifting cultivation is a traditional practice that has been passed down for generations in Arunachal Pradesh. It is a way of life for many people in the state, and it is seen as a way to connect with the land and with their ancestors.
While shifting cultivation has been practiced in Arunachal Pradesh for centuries, it is now facing a number of challenges. These challenges include:
- Deforestation: Shifting cultivation can lead to deforestation if it is not practiced sustainably. When farmers clear a piece of land for cultivation, they often remove all of the vegetation, including trees. This can lead to soil erosion and the loss of biodiversity.
- Population growth: The population of Arunachal Pradesh is growing rapidly, and this is putting a strain on the land. As more people need to farm, there is less land available for each farmer. This can lead to farmers clearing more land for cultivation, which can in turn lead to deforestation.
- Climate change: Climate change is also having an impact on shifting cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh. The state is experiencing more extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods. These events can make it difficult for farmers to grow crops, and they can also lead to soil erosion.
Despite these challenges, shifting cultivation is still practiced in parts of Arunachal Pradesh. It is a traditional practice that is seen as a way of life for many people in the state. However, it is important to practice shifting cultivation sustainably in order to protect the environment.