Shifting Cultivation in NE States

Shifting cultivation (Jhum) is a common land use in many states, particularly in the North-Eastern region of the country. Regarding areas affected by shifting cultivation there are varying estimates by different agencies. The area affected by shifting cultivation in the North-Eastern region was reported to be 3.81 million ha by a Task Force on shifting cultivation (1983). Other such estimates are 2.80 million ha by North-Eastern council (1975) and 7.40 million ha by FAO (1975). To generate a reliable information, FSI undertook a similar study. The assessment done on 1;250,000 scale relates to the period between 1987 and 1997. The region is covered by 33 SOI toposheets on 1:250,000 scale. The satellite data on 2 years interval corresponding to the periods 1987-89, 1989-91, 1991-93, 1993-95 and 1995-97 have been used. The sensors were Landsat TM and IRS –1B (LISS II). Visual method of interpretation was adopted.

Cumulative area affected by shifting cultivation during the above period was found to be 1.73 million ha. Statewise details are given below:

Area affected by Shifting Cultivation