Parkia roxburghii: an underutilized but multipurpose tree species for reclamation of jhum land

摘要

North East (NE) India, commonly known as the 'land of seven sisters', is a territory of diverse ethnic groups, tribes and culture. Shifting cultivation, locally known as 'jhum' or 'jhumming', is a way of life for many of these tribes since time immemorial1. The percentage utilization of cultivable area in this region (62.04) is less than the national average (73.05). It has been reported that about 80% of the farmers in the region are small (<1.44 ha) and marginal (<0.40 ha) landholders. In most of the hilly states of NE India, the forest lands are becoming barren due to the practice of jhum cultivation. About 19% of the total area under shifting cultivation in the hills accounts for 0.76 m ha (current jhum - 0.39 m ha and abandoned jhum - 0.36 m ha) that supports 4.43 lakh families for their livelihood. The jhum system as practised earlier with a fallow period of 10-15 years appeared to be sustainable. However, it has significantly reduced to 1-3 years in the present situation, which has made theland vulnerable to ecological degradation and resulted into limited production4. Considering the present practice of cultivation in this region, it is the need of the hour to improve the jhum lands by adopting suitable soil and water conservation measures, viz. bench terracing, contour bunding, contour trenching,half-moon terrace, catch pits, hedge rows, agroforestry, etc. Introduction of fast-growing trees with multiple uses is one of the viable options for conserving valuable natural resources as well as to uplift the socio-economic status of the jhumias.