Evaluating second year cropping on jhum fallows in Mizoram, north-eastern India: Energy and economic efficiencies

摘要

Energy and economic efficiencies were evaluated on young (6 year) and old (20 year) jhum fields in Mizoram, north-eastern India during second year of cropping, and were compared with those in the first year. The effect of auxiliary measures such as tilling the soil or application of fertilizers (chemical or farm-yard manure or both in combination) was also examined on energy and economic efficiencies. The results indicated that traditional jhum cultivation is labour intensive and energy efficient, producing almost 15 20 times of energy invested. Energy and economic efficiencies decline with shortening of jhum cycle. These efficiencies decline further from first to second year of cropping.