PROBLEMS OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE : SHIFTING CULTIVATION IN THE HILLS OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

Shifting cultivation, more commonly known as "Jhum cultivation" has been in practice for crop production in the hill forests since the ncolcthic period. The practice is spread to about 14 million square miles in the world and in Asia it comprises of about 50 percent of the deforestation area. This system of cultivation is practiced in the hilly regions of Bangladesh along its eastern and south-eastern border and the people mostly belong to different hill tribes. This paper based on a socio-anthropological study described the specific practices, month-wise practices and identified crops included in the jhum. There are various rituals, beliefs and taboos associated with jhum cultivation practiced by the hill tribes. Deforestation and repeated use of the hill slopes in quick succession threatens sustainability of crop production system in these forest lands.