📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Vice President's Secretariat
Agriculture
Manipur Announces Shift from Jhum to Sustainable Hill Farming
✍️ e-pao.net
🗓 05 Aug 2026, 02:49 PM
👁 6
The Manipur government has unveiled a new policy to replace traditional jhum cultivation with sustainable hill farming practices, aiming to protect the environment and improve livelihoods.
The Manipur government today announced a policy shift that will phase out traditional jhum (slash‑and‑burn) cultivation in favor of sustainable hill farming practices across the state.
Jhum farming, which has been a staple of hill‑tribe agriculture for generations, has long been linked to deforestation, soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. The new policy seeks to address these environmental concerns while supporting the livelihoods of hill‑dwelling communities.
Under the plan, farmers will be encouraged to adopt terrace farming, agroforestry, and mixed cropping systems that conserve soil and water. The state will provide technical assistance, seed subsidies and market linkages to facilitate the transition.
Implementation is slated to begin in the next fiscal year, with a phased rollout that prioritises the most vulnerable districts. The government hopes the move will safeguard the hills, boost agricultural productivity and create new income opportunities for local farmers.
Jhum farming, which has been a staple of hill‑tribe agriculture for generations, has long been linked to deforestation, soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. The new policy seeks to address these environmental concerns while supporting the livelihoods of hill‑dwelling communities.
Under the plan, farmers will be encouraged to adopt terrace farming, agroforestry, and mixed cropping systems that conserve soil and water. The state will provide technical assistance, seed subsidies and market linkages to facilitate the transition.
Implementation is slated to begin in the next fiscal year, with a phased rollout that prioritises the most vulnerable districts. The government hopes the move will safeguard the hills, boost agricultural productivity and create new income opportunities for local farmers.