Demonstrating measures for Jhum optimization

The demonstration of the Jhum optimization measures in the farmers field on pilot basis involving the community would show results which will convince the farmers how small modification on the present system of jhum management would make a difference in terms of conserving soil, increasing fertility level and improve soil moisture while increasing crop yield and improving eco system services.The outcome of the positive results would built their confidence and encourage the land users to adopt in larger area and finally incorporate them in their system in managing their jhum field.

Building trust of the land users and the commnunity and also the lessons learned during the exposure visit to Nagaland was an added advantage as they could see by themseves the difference of practicing improved jhum.

The communities were already practicing the jhum system of farming and adopting few modification in management was not at all a problem to them.

 

 

Regular interaction and focused discussions with the community and  land users are a key component for any community based programme. Building trust with the village council and community leaders becomes important given the fact that the land  and forest are governed by them and their decision becomes important in smooth function of the activities in the village.

The time for implementation of this building block is very important as this should start from the selection of jhum plot. In this case there was already crop in the jhum field and they could not be disturbed. Hence for demonstration a 100 sq meter plot was selected near the jhum field  where the measures were undertaken.