Henglep village inches closer to jhum alternative
Source: The Sangai Express / S Singlianmang Guite

Lamka, November 27 2013: The village of Munpi and its neighbourhood in Henglep have notched a mile closer to finding alternative for the age old practice of jhum cultivation as it host a decisive seminar seeking development out of the jhum tradition.

'Finding an alternative means is the need of the hour.

We have been losing our water sources and the richness of our forest to jhum cultivation in a pace much more than we have contemplated,' T Manga Vaiphei, the local MLA and chief guest of the seminar told the gatherings at Munpi village in Henglep sub-division.

He even recalled instances of some elderly men and women from his native village of Kawlhen, making a dying wish to drink the fresh water found in the village long after they have shifted to town and cities.

The worrying part he said is that fame water abundantly available then was now on the verge of extinction all because of deforestation.

Henglep village inches closer to jhum alternative

Vice Chairman of ADC Churachandpur, Demmang Haokip who also addressed the seminar suggested a complete overhaul on the traditional approach of cultivation.

'Farming should be encouraged and it must be taken up.

We should be ready to live an impoverished life for some years if we want farming practices to succeed.

What's the harm in being poor for the 3-5 years it took to nurture the farm and live abundantly for the rest of our lives,' he argued claiming a price has to be paid for development.

He also warned villagers from setting the forest on fire.

There is not a single benefit that can be acquired from burning down forest, he said.

Another speaker, Paolal also an ADC member made a substantial argument claiming that practice of jhumming is more destructive than ever before.

'We are only narrowing ourselves to the path of destruction,' he said.

The ADC member who still identifies himself as a farmer appealed on the younger generation to shoulder the onus on purging the jhum practices.

'May be jhuming is all that your parents can afford to pass it on to you but the onus of changing our farming approach lies on you,' he told the gathering.

ZEPADA's farming Director also spoke on the needs of alternative farming methods to sustain the livelihood of the rural masses while also providing detail farming activities of the agency in the region.

The ZEPADA has through various commodity boards of the country has been training farmers and granting subsidies on several plantation activities including coffee, spices and others.

The Night-time seminar was addressed by Lunminthang Haokip, Director TA & Hills GoM; SDO Henglep Soiminlian Lengen and Thenkhomang Haokip Chairman Henglep Sub-division Chiefs' Assn.

Interestingly enough the Director has made a spiritual argument all through his address saying, development is fond of those that cherish the Gospel and that of honesty.

He also advised the chiefs to consider themselves merely as stewards of the land God has given to them, that way God will be pleased of their actions and will thus be blessed abundantly.