Jhum farming is vital for many communities in Northeastern India. Traditionally, this method included long fallow periods, sometimes up to 20 years. But due to rising populations, these periods are getting shorter. This shift raises concerns about the sustainability of jhum practices, especially as climate change and deforestation intensify.
Despite these worries, jhum farming provides several ecological benefits. It is often carbon neutral, helping to keep the landscape healthy and reducing soil erosion. Farmers in Khonoma, Nagaland, recognize this and have started integrating jhum with the practice of pollarding, which involves selective pruning of trees, specifically alder trees.
Pollarding has been a common technique in many regions, including Southeast Asia and Europe. Studies show that alder trees are great for the soil—they retain nutrients and fix nitrogen. Farmers in Nagaland have blended this technique with jhum farming to create effective land management systems.
In Khonoma, community leaders, including women’s groups and youth organizations, have taken steps to protect their forests. When tree cover began to dwindle in the 1990s, they created strong social systems to safeguard local resources, earning Khonoma the title of “green village.”
Pollarding is practiced alongside jhum farming to boost agricultural productivity. Trees are planted a few meters apart, and as they grow, some branches are pruned while others are left to provide shade for crops like turmeric and potatoes. This sustainable practice allows fertile land to thrive while supplying essential firewood for the village.
According to farmer Mhiesileto Lawrence (Leto), pollarding ensures a steady supply of firewood and considerably reduces logging in nearby forests, benefiting both locals and the environment. He emphasizes that the benefits of this method extend beyond just agricultural value; it also enhances the ecosystem by converting wastelands into cultivable areas.
As climate change poses an increasing threat, pollarding has become an essential practice. While having branches trimmed lowers a tree’s carbon stock temporarily, the regrowth boosts the tree’s ability to sequester carbon over time. This process contributes positively to climate mitigation efforts.
According to N. Manika from IUCN, the regrowth of pruned trees is crucial for ongoing carbon capture—trees can absorb up to 65% more carbon when their crowns are allowed to regrow fully. This means managing forests sustainably is not just about using trees but also nurturing them for future benefits.
In summary, Khonoma’s techniques combine traditional knowledge with ecological practices, showcasing a sustainable way to meet community needs while addressing wider environmental challenges. The balance between cultivation and conservation supports the claim of Khonoma as a “green village.”
This article originally appeared on Mongabay. Read the original article here.
