Harmful impact of jhum highlighted
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 24 2025: Stressing on the harmful effects of jhum cultivation, Eastern Border Areas Development Authority (EBADA), Manipur Project Director Nongthombam Loyalakpa has proposed other alternatives to slash and burn cultivation that will keep soil fertility intact and curb deforestation.

He made the statement during the one-day district level combined training on "Ill Effects of Jhum Cultivation and its Alternatives" held in Phungyar Block in Kamjong district today.

300 selected farmers from 20 villages attended the training programme organised by EBADA under the Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation.

Addressing the gathering, Nongthombam Loyalakpa said that jhum cultivation which has been practiced for decades in the hill areas contributes significantly to deforestation in the State.

Such programmes highlighting the ill effects of this method of cultivation will also be held in Tamenglong and Noney district soon, he added.

During the first session, Thuimaya Kashung, Agriculture Officer, DO, Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Ukhrul spoke at length on "Ill effects of jhum cultivation and its impact on our environment" .

While Athaipu Palmei, Agriculture Officer, DO, Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Senapati spoke on "Soil and water management system in the hill areas for permanent farming" during the second session.

The experts also presented a slide show to educate the farmers on how to protect their horticultural crops such as tree beans and lemons from pests, measures to be taken after pest infestation, which insecticides to use and how to administer them.

Subjects such as integrated farming and bee keeping were also touched upon at the training programme.

Beehive boxes were distributed to the attending farmers.

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