Shifting Cultivation in India

Shifting cultivation In the past was workable, because the population pressures were low,forests were in abundance and the soil was very rich. Due to Increase in popUlation the shifting cultivation cycle has reduced causing serious soil erosion, denuding the hills, exposing the rocks, affecting the environment and productivity of land adversely. For containing shifting cultivation within the area already affected alternative avenues of Income have to be devised to satisfy wants of Jhumias suitably harmonised with the right land use practices for restoration of ecological balance and maintenance of environmental stability. For helping the hill people to live a better life and also to Improve the condition of the hills a scheme for control of shifting cultivation was started by Govt. of India for rehabilitation of 25,000 Jhumia families in 9 States and Rs. 15 crores were earmarked to be utilised in live years beginning 1981-89. Pace of implementation so far has been slow. Coverage of families under the scheme needs to be increased in order to tackle the problem within a reasonable period of 20 years. All important aspects haYe been listed for controlling shifting cultivation.