Shifting Cultivation: The Ancient Art of Farming with Nature

18-Dec-2025

What Is Shifting Cultivation?

Farmers cultivate land for 2–3 years, then leave it fallow for 10–20 years.

This allows soil to naturally regain its fertility.

Different Names, One Ancient Practice

• Slash-and-Burn Agriculture
• Jhum in North-East India
• Chena in Sri Lanka
• Milpa in Central America

A truly global traditional farming system.

Where It’s Practised in India

Most common in:

• Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya
• Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh
• Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka

Known locally as Jhum cultivation in the North-East.

How It Works

1. Select a forest patch
2. Cut and dry vegetation
3. Burn it for ash-based nutrients
4. Sow seeds directly
5. Harvest for 2–3 years
6. Leave land to recover

Key Characteristics

• Short cultivation cycles
• Use of fire for fertility
• Labour-intensive manual work
• No fertilisers or machinery
• Ecologically dependent on the forest balance

Advantages

• Quick crop growth
• Low pest risk
• Naturally fertilised soil
• Eco-friendly when fallow periods are long
• Preserves tribal farming traditions

Disadvantages

• Deforestation and soil loss
• Declining fertility due to shorter cycles
• Water pollution from ash
• Loss of biodiversity
• Unsuitable for large-scale food demand

Global Perspective

Still practiced in tropical forests of:

• South America - Amazon tribes
• Africa - Congo Basin
• Asia - Thailand, Laos, Indonesia

A shared heritage of indigenous farming.

Shifting Cultivation Today

As forests shrink and populations grow, shifting cultivation faces challenges.

Sustainable alternatives like agroforestry and settled farming are now being promoted.

Final Thoughts

Shifting cultivation reminds us that farming began as a partnership with nature.

Balancing tradition and sustainability is key to its future survival.

Discover the ancient practice of shifting cultivation and support sustainable farming. Learn more from your nearest Mahindra Tractor dealer!