Research Article | Published: 01 June 2001

An exploration of the indigenous hill farming system in the south-eastern Bangladesh

M. Millat-e- Mustafa, Mossabber Ahmed Siddiqui, Niaz Ahmed Khan, M. Shafiul Alam and M. Shah Newaz

Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume: 24 | Issue: 2 | Page No. 153-161 | 2001
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2001-97Z989 | Cite this article

Abstract

An exploratory study on the indigenous hill farming system, locally known as the ‘Jhum’ of the Marma tribe of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (Bangladesh) was conducted over a period of 6 months in 1998. The Jhum cultivation is the foundation of the economic structure in the ethnic community and is the principal source of livelihood. Virtually no major study exists on the Jhum in this part of the world. The research focusses on various dimensions of the farming system including the planting and harvesting practice, cultural operations, particular indigenous knowledge related farm management and the problems to such issues as on an average each farmer manages a total area of 0.7 ha/year for Jhum cultivation. The presence of dense bamboo jungles and earthworm hole as indicators of soil fertility were the criteria considered for selection of the new Jhum lands. Burning was the cheapest and easiest way of clearing lands and farmers were aware of the positive and negative effects of burning. Sowing was done on the onset of monsoon, when mixed seeds of different crops were dibbled or broadcasted. Weeding was the only cultural operation practiced to reduce competition for nutrients. Harvesting of crops started from July to October sequentially. Lower fertility of soil associated with increased soil erosion, crop damage by insects and wild animals were the major problems identified.

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How to cite

Mustafa, M.M., Siddiqui, M.A., Khan, N.A., Alam, M.S. and Newaz, M.S., 2001. An exploration of the indigenous hill farming system in the south-eastern Bangladesh. Indian Journal of Forestry, 24(2), pp.153-161. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2001-97Z989

Publication History

Manuscript Published on 01 June 2001

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