By Snigdha Devi
1. Introduction
North-East India, comprising the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim, is one of the most ecologically diverse regions of the country. Characterized by high rainfall, rich biodiversity, fragile hill ecosystems, and strong indigenous cultural traditions, the region has developed agricultural systems that are closely aligned with natural processes. Long before the emergence of modern concepts such as “sustainable agriculture” and “climate-smart farming,” indigenous communities of North-East India practiced farming methods that conserved soil, water, forests, and biodiversity.
In the context of climate change, land degradation, and declining agricultural sustainability in many parts of the world, these traditional practices are increasingly being recognized as ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially inclusive. This article examines key traditional agricultural systems of North-East India and evaluates their relevance as models of sustainable and smart agriculture.
2. Agro-Ecological Context of North-East India
The agricultural practices of North-East India are shaped by its unique geography and climate. The region is dominated by hills and mountains, with limited plains, high rainfall (often exceeding 2,000 mm annually), and rich forest cover. Soils are generally acidic and prone to erosion, making intensive chemical-based agriculture unsuitable in many areas.
Indigenous farming communities developed adaptive strategies that:
Minimized soil erosion
Maintained soil fertility without synthetic inputs
Conserved water and forest resources
Ensured food security through crop diversity
These systems emphasize harmony with nature rather than control over it, which aligns closely with modern sustainability principles.
3. Shifting Cultivation (Jhum): A Misunderstood Sustainable System
3.1 Overview of Jhum Cultivation
Shifting cultivation, locally known as jhum, is one of the oldest agricultural practices in North-East India, practiced by tribal communities in states such as Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh. In this system, forest land is cleared, cultivated for a few years, and then left fallow to regenerate naturally.
Although often criticized for causing deforestation, traditional jhum systems were ecologically balanced when practiced with long fallow cycles (10–20 years). During the fallow period, natural vegetation restored soil fertility, prevented erosion, and supported biodiversity.
3.2 Sustainability and Climate Resilience
Traditional jhum cultivation is sustainable due to:
Crop diversity: Multiple crops (rice, maize, millets, vegetables, legumes) are grown together, reducing pest risk and improving nutrition.
Low external inputs: No chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used.
Soil regeneration: Natural fallow cycles allow soil nutrients to recover.
From a climate-smart perspective, diversified cropping systems reduce vulnerability to climate variability and ensure food security even under erratic rainfall conditions.
4. Zabo Farming System of Nagaland
4.1 Integrated Land and Water Management
The Zabo system, practiced by the Chakhesang tribe of Nagaland, is an excellent example of indigenous sustainable agriculture. “Zabo” means “impounding water,” and the system integrates forest conservation, rainwater harvesting, livestock rearing, and crop cultivation within a single landscape.
Water is harvested from forested hilltops and directed through cattle yards before reaching agricultural fields. This enriches the water with organic nutrients, reducing the need for external fertilizers.
4.2 Smart Agriculture Features
The Zabo system qualifies as climate-smart agriculture because it:
Enhances water-use efficiency
Prevents soil erosion on hill slopes
Integrates crops, livestock, and forests
Maintains long-term soil fertility
It demonstrates how traditional knowledge can address modern challenges such as water scarcity and soil degradation.
5. Apatani Rice–Fish Farming System of Arunachal Pradesh
5.1 A Globally Recognized Sustainable Practice
The Apatani rice–fish cultivation system, practiced in the Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, is internationally recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
In this system, rice and fish are cultivated simultaneously in the same fields. Carefully engineered irrigation channels regulate water flow, preventing floods and waterlogging.
5.2 Ecological and Economic Benefits
Key sustainability features include:
Nutrient recycling: Fish waste enriches soil fertility.
Biological pest control: Fish reduce insect populations.
Higher productivity: Farmers obtain both rice and protein from the same land.
Zero chemical inputs: No synthetic fertilizers or pesticides are used.
This system exemplifies smart agriculture by increasing productivity while conserving natural resources.
6. Terrace Farming in Hill Regions
Terrace farming is widely practiced in hilly areas of North-East India, particularly in Sikkim and parts of Meghalaya and Manipur. Terraces reduce soil erosion by slowing water runoff and improving water retention.
When combined with organic farming methods, terrace agriculture becomes highly sustainable. Sikkim’s transition to 100% organic farming draws heavily on traditional terrace-based agricultural practices and indigenous knowledge systems.
7. Indigenous Crop Diversity and Seed Conservation
Traditional agriculture in North-East India is characterized by remarkable crop and seed diversity. Farmers cultivate indigenous varieties of rice, millets, pulses, oilseeds, and vegetables adapted to local climatic conditions.
This diversity:
Enhances resilience to pests, diseases, and climate stress
Preserves genetic resources
Reduces dependency on commercial seed systems
Community-managed seed banks and informal seed exchange networks further strengthen agricultural sustainability and food sovereignty.
8. Alignment with Sustainable and Climate-Smart Agriculture Principles
Traditional agricultural practices of North-East India align closely with modern sustainability frameworks:
These systems offer valuable lessons for designing future agricultural strategies that are both productive and environmentally responsible.
9. Challenges and the Way Forward
Despite their sustainability, traditional systems face challenges such as:
Reduced fallow periods due to population pressure
Loss of indigenous knowledge
Policy bias toward industrial agriculture
Limited market access for traditional produce
Integrating traditional knowledge with scientific research, supportive policies, and market incentives is essential for preserving and strengthening these systems.
10. Conclusion
Traditional agricultural practices of North-East India represent living examples of sustainable and climate-smart agriculture. Rooted in ecological understanding and community stewardship, these systems demonstrate that agricultural productivity does not require environmental degradation. As global agriculture seeks sustainable pathways, the indigenous farming practices of North-East India offer valuable models that deserve recognition, protection, and integration into contemporary agricultural planning.
References
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2011). Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems: Apatani Rice–Fish Culture.
Singh, R. K., & Sureja, A. K. (2006). Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Agriculture in North-East India. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge.
Ramakrishnan, P. S. (1992). Shifting Agriculture and Sustainable Development. UNESCO & Oxford University Press.
Das, T., & Das, A. K. (2014). Traditional Farming Systems of North-East India. ICAR Research Publications.
Government of India. (2018). Climate-Smart Agriculture in India. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Darlong, V. T. (2004). Indigenous Agricultural Practices of North-East India. Anthropological Survey of India.
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