What is jhum cultivaton?

Jhum cultivation, also known as shifting cultivation or slash-and-burn agriculture, is an agricultural practice commonly found in hilly or mountainous regions, particularly in Northeast India and parts of Southeast Asia. Farmers clear forested land by cutting and burning vegetation to create fields for crops. After a few years of cultivation, the soil fertility declines, prompting farmers to abandon the area and move to a new site, allowing the previously used land to regenerate. This traditional method supports biodiversity but can lead to deforestation and soil erosion if not managed sustainably.