A Study of Conflicting Status of Jhum Cultivation and Livelihood Rights in Arunachal Pradesh

A Study of Conflicting Status of Jhum cultivation and Livelihood Rights in Arunachal Pradesh Dr. Sukamal Deb, PhD (Rural Development) Abstract: Jhum cultivation, an agricultural practice is a means of livelihood for some tribal communities. It is a process of growing crops by first clearing the land of trees and vegetation and burning them thereafter. The burnt soil, after a few cycles, loses its fertility. This finally results in barren land. The Jhum cultivation is in sheer conflict to the principles of sustainable development. But the critical perspective is that debarring them from this practice of Jhum cultivation otherwise is a sort of betrayal to their livelihood rights as so far it is life sustaining activity to them. The paper is with reference to Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh is one of the 25 Bio-diversity Hotspots in the world with 83,743 sq km area and 13, 82,611 population. The four fifths of the State are covered by forests constitute 69% of the area. The New State Agricultural Policy (2001) in addressing the problem of shifting cultivation says special emphasis to be given to shifting cultivation, ensuring better land management, introducing improved cultivation such that there would be thrust in weaning the Jhum farmers towards better cultivation. The objective of the paper is to bring out a policy prescription with appropriate option to the Jhum practice thereby drawing a balance in between the two conflicting issues. The sources of data are both primary and secondary obtained through interview and from various journals, reports and websites. The data obtained are processed, interpreted and analysed through numerical calculations and graphically. There are ways that has been discussed in the Paper by which the Jhumias can be diverted from this practice yet their livelihood rights will not get defeated. Organic cultivation, enhanced productions and value addition locally adopting appropriate technology in lieu of Jhum or through scientific Jhum Cultivation may be a right approach to join Make India Mission. Key words: Jhum, Jhumias. Livelihood rights, Bio-diversity Hotspots and Agriculture. Introduction: Jhum or Shifting Cultivation is a process of growing crops by clearing the land of trees, vegetation and burning them thereafter. The burnt soil contains potash which increases its nutrient content. After a few cycles the land loses fertility and a new area is chosen. This finally results in barren land. In Arunachal Pradesh people practice this due to scarcity of plain land. The practice of Jhum, very weak industrial and infrastructural status is the basic characteristics of North Eastern Hilly States. In Arunachal Pradesh Jhum is practised since time immemorial. From the cradle to coffin the people maintain an intrinsic symbiotic relation with the forest. The attribute is anthropogenic. As per an estimate more than six Lakh tribal families of NE States, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh practice Jhum cultivation on a continuous basis (IGNOU, 2006). Arunachal Pradesh the thirteenth geographically largest frontier State of India covering an area of 83,743 sq km in hilly terrain of Eastern Himalayas having population of 13,82,611 persons has 3,863 villages, living 77.33% in rural areas (2011 Census). The territory was called “Terra Incognita” or No Man’s Land (Begi, 2008) till the beginning of the twentieth century. The Government of India’s efforts mainly aimed at integrating the territory into the mainstream of national consciousness and economic development. In course of shifting cultivation or developmental activities remarkable varieties of flora and fauna are disappearing to such an extent that it has become almost irreversible loss of forests and other natural resources. This is threatening the survival of mankind. A number of plant and animal species have either become extinct or come under rare, threatened or endangered category (The Arunachal Times, 05.06.2010). It is disquiet. The following Table reflects the status. Table - 01 District-wise Area Under Jhum Operation & Treatment Under Watershed Development Project in Shifting Cultivation Areas (WDPSCA) Sl District Jhum area as per Treatment under WDPSCA % of area # report of Remote treated th th Sensing Board IX X Total 1 Tirap 84804 492 5500 5992 7.06 2 Changlang 25232 Nil 1000 1000 3.96 3 Lohit 3428 1520 120 1640 47.84 4 Dibang Valley 12130 Nil 120 120 0.99 5 East Siang 1923 - 120 120 6.24 6 West Siang 19928 - 240 240 1.20 7 Upper Siang 7077 - 240 240 3.39 8 Upper Subansiri 2634 1220 360 1580 59.98 9 Lower Subansiri 35870 5345 360 5705 15.90 10 Papum Pare 27963 7166 247 406 24.48 11 East Kameng 28396 669 240 909 3.20 12 West Kameng 52348 2193 480 2673 5.10 13 Tawang 7075 494 - 494 6.98 Total 308808 19099 9020 28119 -  Up to date area treated under WDPSCA =28,119 Ha i. e. 9.1 % of the total area under shifting cultivation;  13 project covering 6500 Ha. In Tirap and Changlang districts are being started during 2006-07;  21 projects covering 10,500 Ha spread over all the districts except Tirap and Changlang - Implementation started from 2006-07. Source: Department of Agriculture, Government of A.P., 2007 Some progress is made in gradually doing away with this detrimental practice (Table-02) but its removal, if at all to be deeming, is yet a long course. Table - 02 Trend in Vegetative Regeneration in Jhum Area Total Area under Jhum (current Jhum & Fallow 2001-02) : 3,08,808 Hectare Total Area under Jhum (Net) : 84,002 Hectare % area in Jhum operation currently : 27.2% % area left fallow for vegetative Regeneration : 72.8% Source: Department of Agriculture, Government of A.P., 2007 Jhum cultivation has influence on environment, economy and livelihood aspects. Environment: Arunachal Pradesh falls in the Himalayan region functioning as the lung of the earth. The State stretches from snow capped mountains in the north to the plains of Brahmaputra valley in the south. It is a natural habitat of more than 20,000 identified species of medicinal plants yet so many still remain unidentified. There are over 500 medicinal plants recorded from the State of which 250 are used in various Ayurbedic formulations. More than 80% of world’s medicinal flora is found in the Himalayan range of India. The local tribes of the State still prefer to rely on the traditional methods of health care. There are more than 5,000 species of flowering plants, 550 species of orchids, 91 species of bamboos and 18 species of canes. The bio-diversity gave it the recognition as one of the 25 “Bio-diversity Hotspots” in the world. The four fifths of the State are covered by forests evergreen and semi-evergreen, constitute 69% of the geographic area and the degraded forests another 13%. The State is the habitat of as many as 55 major mammalian species of which 17 are rare or extremely rare. Almost all of them are dared as protected species under the protection Act of 1972(Mandal, 2009). Forest resources are disappearing and becoming rare due to deforestation. The biogeographically strategic location, the distinct topography and the unique influence of the monsoon together support a diversity of ecosystems, different forest types and wetlands. The State has a third of the flowering plant diversity and a fifth of the faunal diversity in India. The Eastern Himalaya as a whole has a high degree of species endemism: 114 endemic species, including 29 genetic resource species. About half of these endemics are believed to be under various categories of threat. The rivers mark the distributional boundaries of certain species. The South West monsoon makes Arunachal Pradesh one of the wettest in the country, with the rainfall as high as 4,500 mm a year in the foothills. The higher altitudes are relatively drier with 800 mm a year, giving it an average annual rainfall of 3,000 mm. The rains extend from the tempestuous pre-monsoon showers in March through the heavy, incessant downpours in June and July, to taper off in September-October. This makes the foothills hot and humid with temperatures touching 38 degrees in the summer. The middle or Lesser Himalayan area has a temperate climate but even in spring, certain locations can be quite chilling as the wind tears through the deep gorges. The alpine belt has less precipitation of snow than at similar altitudes in the Western Himalaya, but the winters can be freezing cold. Wild fire in the State is mostly spread from Jhum burning usually engulfs the nearby bamboo garden and elephant grasses. In doing so unknowingly the green cover is being reduced adding to pollution and global warming. Economy: The economy of the State mainly based on agriculture and forests. Also on account of the predominantly rural character of the backward areas traditional industries assume a very significant role. The State has 3.5 Lakh persons living below the poverty line (Poverty rises in Northeast, The Telegraph, March 20, 2012). The economy is mostly based on Government funds major portion of which is Central grants. The State has heavy numbers on Government payroll. For example, in 1996 there were 5,794 as contingent workers (Kri, 2010). Some of them are unproductive survive on meagre wage. The Government spends huge on unproductive expenditure and on mammoth establishment. The State has potential to generate huge hydro-electricity for realising better economy. Livelihood: Natural resources are the vital components for livelihood sustenance of indigenous tribal communities in the State. Sustainable utilisation of these resources need proper planning, as the development of the any region is largely dependent on availability of resources, proper planning and local community participation. Various Programmes need to be undertaken to improve livelihood opportunities and overall quality of life as there has been rise of unemployment and fall of dignity of labour. Here we cautiously mention that the concept of livelihoods rights and sustainable development sometimes put human conscious in a conflicting discourse making it virtually perplexing to which side one should lend the support especially when supporting one deprives the other. The deprivation from practice of Jhum without appropriate alternate may snatch the livelihood right of the Jhumias. Objectives: Jhum cultivation is in conflict to the principles of sustainable development. But the critical perspective is that debarring the Jhumias from the practice of Jhum may a betrayal to their livelihood rights as so far it is life sustaining activity to them. The situation impels a conflict between the Livelihood Right and the Jhum Cultivation. The study is with reference to the State of Arunachal Pradesh and an attempt to explore prescription with options or adjustments to the Jhum practice thereby drawing a balance in between the two conflicting issues through practical approach, innovative ideas, rural entrepreneurship that may be handy to the lawmakers in framing people-centred policies. Literature review: The Northeast covers an area of 2, 62,230 sq km (7.9% of geographical area of India), is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world. It accounts a total population of 38,857,769 with around 70 % of them living in rural area (Census, 2011). The Jhum practice varies from tribe to tribe but its essential characteristics are almost similar (Borang, 1996).Their rites, culture and tradition are interlinked and interwoven with forest, wildlife and agriculture (Millong, 1993). They believe in Forest God or devils. Out of fear of these God or devils they do not destroy forest unnecessarily. As their lifestyle revolves around the forest no other person understands and loves forest as tribal (Borang, 1996). The Shukla Commission Report (1997) on “Transforming the Northeast” says “Hill farming in the Northeast is largely under Jhum. Jhum farming is becoming less productive with a shrinking Jhum cycle and has caused erosion and forest regression in some areas. Not all Jhumias resettlement schemes have worked well; nor can jhuming be ended all at one. The problem needs to be tackled sensitively as Jhum cultivation is also a way of life”. Table - 03 District wise area ( Target) Treated under WDPSCA during XI th Plan District Area treated (Ha) Tawang 500 West Kameng 2,340 East Kameng 1,420 Papum Pare 1,420 Lower Subansiri 960 Kurung Kumey 1,420 Upper Subansiri 1,880 West Siang 1,420 Upper Siang 1,420 East Siang 960 Dibang Valley 500 Lower Dibang Valley 560 Lohit 500 Anjaw 960 Changlang 500 Tirap 500 Total 17,650 Source: Department of Agriculture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, 2007 In Arunachal Pradesh soil is geologically young, highly leached and prone to frequent landslides and erosion in the hills and floods in the foothills (Kumar, 1997). Imposition of shifting cultivation regulation Act, 1947 or the ban on timber-logging has not helped improvement or rehabilitations of the Jhum lands (Chawii, 2002). With the growing human population, greater ethnic diversity, loss of forest cover, decreasing shifting cultivation, changing rural lifestyle, expanding townships, ban on timber-logging and increasing dependence on rice and vegetables Arunachal Pradesh would run into trouble in terms of food security, as most existing production system are less productive, (e.g. 10.14 quintals / hectare of rice production), but the shifting cultivation harbours greater crops / genetic diversities, the challenge lies in providing a minimum of traditional practices of Jhum and modern agro-forestry (Arunachalam, 2002). Jhuming has always been a controversy because of the facts that it (i) destructs forest and environment, (ii) causes loss of fertility in soil, (iii) causes soil erosion and (iv) waste of time and energy (Borang, 1996). The harmful effects also resulted in little time to recuperate soil fertility due to reduced Jhum cycle. The larger issues contributing to ills are the women were valued in such labour intensive Jhum economy for both production and reproduction. Akas, Mijis, Nyishis, Adis and Singphus (tribes) depend on slaves for their agricultural activities similar to the number of wives (Gurudas, pp.22-24). Jhum indirectly encouraged polygamy. Borang recorded, most of the tribes prefer to live in hilly areas as they think that plain areas are more prone to epidemics. Jhum pattern in the State is not nomadic type but it is confined in a special Jhum site. Also as cycle of main Jhum is always maintained from 8 to 15 years it has sufficient time to regenerate forest in fallow area - an ecologically balanced in sub-tropical environment (Borang, 1996). He further mentioned the findings of Prof. P.S. Ramakrishnan that ten years Jhum cycle is both ecologically and economically viable. Timber extraction in the State was taken up at large scale till 1995-96 which came to halt after a Supreme Court’s judgement on 12.12.1996 on a writ petition (Civil) No.202 filed by T.N.G. Thirumulkpad (Mandal, 2009). Lately the Central Government granted Green Bonus to the State as the Himalayan ranges are the lunge of the nation. Deforestation, due to Jhum cultivation is considered the world’s most pressing problem. The associated problems are maintaining ground water level, preventing soil erosion and land slide, controlling flood in plains and reducing air pollution etc. Animal-plant, plant-plant and animal-animal interactions are basic milestone of the success of an ecosystem and its productivity. On contrary, we find that the Monpa, Sherdukpens, Apatani and Khampti (tribes) do not do Jhum cultivation and they practice monogamy (Gurudas p.24). Monpa gather leaves of Oak (Parmong) trees, Oak help in water retention, produce compost for agriculture. “Eventually, some of younger generations are completely deprived of the knowledge of jhuming as such. So, it may be presumed that shifting cultivation would cease automatically along with the demise of the older generation. With the alarming rate of species extinction of about two species per day, it has been emphasised that species for conservation are inevitable for human existence in the planet” (Arunachalam, 2002). In India environmental goals were incorporated from the Fifth Plan onwards and the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 was enacted. The State Agricultural Policy (2001) in addressing the problem of shifting cultivation says special emphasis to be given to shifting cultivation, ensuring better land management, introducing improved cultivation such that there would be thrust in weaning the Jhum farmers towards better cultivation. In streamlining uncertain tribal ownership of land Mandal (2009) suggested to bring in the following measures:- i. The customary land laws of all the communities should be documented, studied and then a uniform land policy should be formulated; ii. As plain land in the State is scarce, ceiling on cultivable land should be fixed; iii. Landless poor should be given cultivable land; iv. Selling of land should be monitored and controlled; v. Sharecropping should be discouraged; vi. All land sales should be registered; vii. Restriction should be imposed on sale of cultivable land to non-cultivators; viii. Progressive land tax should be introduced.

Methodology - The present study is based on primary and secondary data sources. 1. Primary Source: Information gathered through structured questionnaires. We also involved the interactive process. A questionnaire is appended with the paper.

2. Secondary Source: The secondary data collected from the published books, journals, Reports, newspapers, Gazetteer and Statistical Abstracts of Arunachal Pradesh. For secondary data cross-verification is made wherever possible. Facts and information were also gathered through informal talks. We include three interviews, a few relevant photographs for making visual representations of the status in reality. We have appended the selected bibliography containing the References, Websites and Reports. Universe of the Study: Arunachal Pradesh (study area) has international border of 1630 km with Bhutan, China and Myanmar.

Map - 01 Data Analysis: As per the data of the State Department of Agriculture, 31.6 % of GSDP is contributed by Agriculture & allied sectors which are disproportionately low as compared to the fact that about 70% of the population is directly/indirectly dependent on land based farm sector. The total cultivable area is 2.00 Lakh hectares out of which under Jhum 1.10 Lakh hectares and 0.90 Lakh hectares under permanent cultivation (31.03.2007). The Department say right interventions enabled to reduce the total area under Jhum cultivation from 1, 10,000 to 84,000 hectares in last ten years. Table - 04 Rice scenario in Arunachal Pradesh - 2013  Total area under Rice cultivation : 126500 ha  Production : 275000 MT  Avg. Productivity : 21.74 Qtls /ha (23.00 NA) SHIFTING (Jhum) CULTIVATION  Rice under Shifting cultivation : 50000 ha  Production under Shifting cultivation : 56000 MT  Productivity under Shifting cultivation : 11.20 qtls/ha SETTLED CULTIVATION  Rice under Settled cultivation : 76500 Ha  Production under Settled cultivation : 219000 MT Productivity under Settled cultivation : 28.6 Qtls/Ha Source: Department of Agriculture, Government of A.P., 2014

Contribution of Agri & allied sectors in State GDP in 2006 -07 FOOD GRAIN PRODUCTION DURING Xth PLAN IN ARUNACHAL in Arunachal P radesh PRADESH

250000 234615 237830 224910 216953 P 207615 R 200000 O D U 150000 C M 24.90% T T I Agri & allied 100000 84952 O 75852 75836 76359 80274 N

i 50000 n 7793 8285 8298 7455 7591 others 0 75.10% 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07

RICE COARSE GRAINS PULSES

Graph -1 Graph -2 Table - 05 Salient features of Achievement under WDPSCA during the IX th & X th Plans  Total Jhumia families(as in 2001-02) : 64260  Total Jhumia families converted to P/cultivation : 5213  % Conversion during the IX th & X th Plans : 8.1%  Total Jhum area in operation (2001-02) : 84002 Ha.  Area Treated under WDPSCA(up to X th Plan) : 28119 Ha  % Area treated under WDPSCA : 33.5% Source: Department of Agriculture, Government of A.P., 2007 Table - 06 Contribution of Jhum Cultivation towards Total Area & Production in Arunachal Pradesh (X th Plan) Area under crops (Total) : 2,60,000Ha Area under Jhum : 84, 002 Ha Share of current Jhum Land to total crop area : 32.3% Total crop production : 4,42,400 MT Crop productions under Jhum : 61,000 MT Contribution of JHUM to total crop production : 13.8% 32.3%area is contributing13.8% of total crop production of the State. Source: Department of Agriculture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, 2007 Table - 07 Trend in vegetative Regeneration in Jhum area Total Area under Jhum (current Jhum & Fallow 2001- 02) : 3,08,808 Hectare Total Area under Jhum (Net) : 84,002 Hectare Percentage of area in Jhum operation currently : 27.2% Percentage of area left fallow for vegetative Regeneration : 72.8% Source: Department of Agriculture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, 2007 Table - 08 WDPSCA in Arunachal Pradesh during x th plan at a glance No. of Projects : 13 ( saturated) Target area for treatment : 6500 Ha Estimated cost : 650 Lakh Area treated up to 2006-07 : 641 Ha. Allocation of GOI up to 06-07 : 650 Lakh No. of Districts covered : 14 SHG formed (Women) : 22 Nos. SHG formed (Male) : 8 Nos. User Group : 24 Nos. Composite Nursery established : 13 Nos. Soil conservation, terracing etc. : 1,744 Hectares Dry-land horticulture : 645 Hectares Agro-forestry : 656 Hectares Demonstration on Agri, Horticulture, Fishery : 1,027 Nos. Source: Department of Agriculture, Government of A.P., 2007 Table - 09 Rehabilitation Activities Mushroom cultivation, Horticulture plantation : 207 Nos. Household Production System : 800 Nos. Rural Household Industry : 234 Nos. Goatery & Poultry units : 24 Nos. Source: Department of Agriculture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, 2007 Table - 10 WDPSCA during XI th plan Target in terms of No. of Projects : 37 Nos. (includes 21 projects of 2006- 07) Target area for treatment : 17650 Hectare Estimated cost : 1765 Lakh Area treated during 2006-07 : 850 Hectare Allocation of GOI during 06-07 : 85 Lakh Financial requirement during XI th Plan : 1765 Lakh No. of Districts covered : 16 Source: Department of Agriculture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, 2007

Task ahead to check Jhum Practice: Among the 100 most climate-sensitive districts of the country, 16 districts are in NE Region of which two are in the State (West Kameng and East Siang). Also link between poverty and environmental degradation is very strong. So the need is to undertake developmental programmes to ensure food security, improved livelihood opportunities and improvement in overall quality of life. This should be based on the sustainable and equitable use of natural resources. To achieve this we need to (i) empower tribal grassroots associations, including women and other marginal members; (ii) promote activities which generate sustainable increased production and productivity of land and water conservations; and (iii) generate sources of income outside of agriculture, particularly for the landless. We need to take up integrated research, setting up of Agricultural school and scientific management of Jhum for higher productivity. The investment level in the State is low which needs to be addressed. The components are:  Motivation and awareness of Jhum cultivators;  Capacity building of farmers & Panchayat leaders;  Coordination and integrated approach of agencies dealing with land based activities;  Utilise Indigenous Traditional Knowledge of Jhum cultivations;  Effective technological Research and R&D projects;  Plantation of fast growing vegetations / tree species on Jhum fallows (example- Lantana Camera and China Weeds) ;  Massive plantation of fruit crops, oilseeds plants and fast growing species of timbers;  Scientific approach for increasing Jhum cycle;  Encourage rain water harvesting for utilisation in plantation crops irrigation;  Facilitate creation of market for organic Jhum produce& niche marketing;  Evolve standard marketing strategy like packaging etc. for Jhum crops;  Soil & water conservations and integrated nutrient management;  Reduce run-off velocity by vegetative conservation measures, growing of protective cum productive crop in the Jhum areas. Excerpts of Interviews: Following three interviews replicates a mixed opinion on the issue. Mr. A. K. Purkayastha, Ex-Director, Agricultural Marketing, endorses the Government of India’s policy to abolish Jhum cultivation, but advocates for gradual replace of Jhum by horticultural crops. He says rare species of Cereals, Pulses, oilseeds, local vegetables of medicinal values is grown in the shifting cultivation areas of the State but there has not been any significant market development for those organic produces. He said, in spite of many disadvantages of shifting cultivation, it may not be just eliminated as it is way of life. Mr. Techi Taura, belongs to a Jhumia family, practices and favours Jhum. He works as Agriculture Development Offial in the State Government. Mr. Taura gave a restrictive strategy. Since Jhum cultivation provides food security to the farmers, they have the natural urge to grow their families’ daily requirement. As such total ban on Jhum cultivation is not at all possible. What is needed is to derive scientific way to restrict practice of Jhum. The present trend of Jhum cultivation may be managed by revoking the Jhum Cultivation Regulation Act, 1947 by further reforming the State Land Act. Unless the individual, clan and community is certified to be the owner of the land based on the previous inheritance over the land, the shifting cultivation should be strictly banned for others elsewhere in the State. He emphasised empowering the Village Heads, the Local Governance, in dealing with the Jhum cultivation. Further, State Forest and Fire Services Departments need to remain vigilant and alert to content wild forest fires, strengthening State Bamboo Mission, the Central Forest Research Institute, Dehradun to bring out appropriate technology and the forest fire management equipment and controlling forest clearing and burning for settlement purposes prescribing for modifying the ‘Shifting Cultivation regulation Act’. The Jhumias produce multiple crops at a time in the same plot. The produce of shifting cultivation is organic but uncertified, he added. He said that the Jhumias prefer to consume rice grown in Jhum fields than that being supplied through the Public Distribution System. Mr. Tadar Jaju, works in the Gauhati High Court was interviewed on 21.03.2015. He belongs to a Jhumia family. He favours Jhum Cultivation and he practices it. We were taken to a plot where Jhum cultivation was done earlier. For last 5 years it is left as fallow land and cultivating bamboo and big trees. He said without Jhum the Mithun (Boss Frontalis), the precious animal will not survive and added that he owns 12 Mithun all of which worth around 12.00 Lakh. He spoke about the scarcity of water the Jhum fields face and emphasise for innovation to water Jhum fields. Findings and discussion: For the tribal community the Jhum cultivation is a way of life, we need to advance a passionate treatment for its abolition. Need is to put in place ways by which the Jhumias can be diverted from this practice yet their livelihood rights are not defeated. Need is to have realistic approach and innovative ideas in framing people-centred policies. Even Jhum are to be banned it should not be through enforcement but a deliberate choice of the people concern, that they develop a sort of consciousness which motivate them internally to option out the practice. The agricultural reform should be from ‘within’. Banning of Jhum, hurriedly and without comfortable options to the Jhumias may fringe to the intra-inter equity justice in the contemporary society of Arunachal Pradesh where the gaps between the haves and have-nots have widen out of proportions damaging the egalitarian fabric otherwise so brilliantly shining in the pasts. Although jhuming has many benefits from livelihood point of view, but in long run it destroys the ecosystem balance as one inch soil formation in nature takes about 1,000 years. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has evolved a three-tier hill farming package combining forestry, horticulture or tree farming and terrace cultivation as one moves down the hill. Jhum improvement can be carried further through appropriate R&D. Nagaland has pioneered an excellent method of upgrading Jhum by interposing a strong and increasing component of agro-forestry through assisted tree planting of selected fast growing economic timber, the menu being a producer a meticulous exercise in biodiversity mopping, documentation and breeding of plant material for wide spread propagation (State Agriculture Policy, 2001). Also development of traditional Industries like weaving, cane & bamboo works, bee keeping can divert the Jhumias from the practice of Jhum providing them alternate occupation. This may result in maintaining the ecological balance. Education in rural sciences will enable the farmers to contribute towards greater wealth of economy and will bring changes in the knowledge, skills, interests and value of the people as a whole (Subudhi, 1996). The research in agronomy and sociology must go hand in hand (Borang, 1996). It is suggested the plantation to be encouraged selectively maintaining the ecological criteria and also to preserve species without upsetting the traditional system. Innovation needs to use the Jhum fallow land for cultivation of commercial citrus like mandarins (citrus reticulate Blanco), sweet orange (citrus sinensis) etc. which have high potential in the State. This will also open avenue to make place in the export market. India’s Look East Policy has emerged as an alternative vintage point of development paradigm for the NER. Its immense export potential and unique location makes it an ideal case to be declared a Special Economic Zone. Arunachal Pradesh can occupy a frontal position in this matter. The problem of unemployment cannot be tackled by creating such rural enterprises. Further, the complex relation between environment and population dynamics influences the quality of life; it depends on judicious and sustained use of the environment and the local resources. This approach necessarily has to have a decentralised pattern of development for this is the most appropriate means to reconcile the contradiction between quality of life and environment. Therefore, industries based on locally available raw-materials, more particularly the natural resources need to be promoted in an environment friendly decentralised mode. This is compulsorily an appropriate tool of development. In this way the State may to participate effectively to the Make India Mission. The first commercial Tea Estate in Arunachal Pradesh is Donyi Polo Tea Estate. It contributed to improvement of standard of living, reduction of Jhum, improvement of ecology, domestic market and export. We need to look towards forest as source for the minor forest produces like herbs, medicinal plants, eatables etc. The paddy-cum fish culture in Apatani plateau is an innovative way of economic prosperity. Nowhere else are bamboos found at such a high altitude (Haridasan, 1997) and bamboo based industry has high prospects. Apiculture for which the State has immense potential can be promoted which will contribute to the enhancement of crop productivity simultaneously. In academic curricula the emphasis should be on agriculture, poultry, forestry and micro enterprises. Well being of any community depends very much on the womenfolk. Status of tribal women relating to their socio-cultural problems, their economic rights, their participation in management, their access to employment, food and health need to be focused. Nutritional status of tribal, especially the women is compromised by unequal access to food, by heavy work demands. There are many taboos and myths, prevalence of polygamy needs to be removed. Women are generally devoid of equal political and property rights. The Nehru era laid the foundation of tribal policy, often referred as Panchsheel which emerged as the guiding principle of tribal policy toward the close of the 1950’s, particularly in the North East. One of the five fundamental principles of Panchsheel is “Tribal right in land and forest should be respected”. We need to take sociologist’s view in promulgating policies. Ecology and development do not act as cross purposes, yet there are conflicts - the challenge is how we negotiate between the two.

Conclusion - In India Hills and Hillmans are an essential and integral part of the nation. Nation building task will remain non-inclusive unless issues pertaining to their development are not given priority. All human races are bound to go through transition - adjustment of policies and legal settings become inadvertent but as we believe in anthropogenic model of development, no law should hurt the ethos, tradition and culture of various human folk. This is relevant too about the tribal who are more sensitive. Hurried push of Jhum may be injuring the tribal community system. Perhaps, the appropriate option will be replacing Jhum gradually with innovation and viable alternatives. We need to work hard on regeneration of Jhum land, scientific Jhum capitalizing on its benefits with minimised bad effect. Organic cultivation, appropriate technology, enhanced productions, locally value addition may be a right approach to join Make India Mission.

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(1970): A New Book of Tribal Fiction, Directorate of Research, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar (reprinted 1991). 14. Gohain, J. K. (1996): “Sustainable Developmental in North East India with Special Reference to Arunachal Pradesh: Tea as a Vehicle” in Shukla, S.P. and Sharma. N. (ed.), Sustainable Developmental Strategy (Indian Context), Mittal Publications, New Delhi-59. 15. Gupta, Vishal (2005): “Jhum Cultivation Practises of the Nyishis of Arunachal Traditional Knowledge, Vol. 4(1), January, 2005, pp-47-56. 16. Joram, Begi (2008): “Education Scenario in Arunachal Pradesh”, Arunachal Review, Directorate of Information and Public Relation, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Vol. X, (2), June -August, 2008, Itanagar. 17. Kri, Sokhep (2010): State Gazetteer of Arunachal Pradesh (Vol.-I), State Editor (Gazetteers), Gazetteers Department, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar. 18. Mandal, R. K., (2009): Socio-Economic Transformation of Arunachal Economy, Omsons Publications, New Delhi. 19. Mandal, R. K., (2006): “Constraint of Economic Development in Arunachal Pradesh with Special Reference to Globalisation and Inner Line System” the Indian Economic Journal, Vol.54, No.3. 20. Mibang, Tamo (1994): Social Change in Arunachal Pradesh, pp.7-8, Omsons Publications, N. Delhi. 21. Nanda, N. (1982): Tawang-The Land of Mon, Vikas Publishing House Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi. 22. Purkayastha, A.K.,(2008): Arunachal Agriculture over the Years, P.R. Publishers and Printers, Guwahati. 23. Purkayastha, A.K., (2012): Unpretentious Endeavour, P.R. Publishers and Printers, Guwahati. 24. Subudhi, B. (1996): “Education for Sustainable Development: A strategy with Special Reference to Arunachal Pradesh” in Shukla, S.P. and Sharma. N. (ed.), Sustainable Developmental Strategy (Indian Context), Mittal Publications, New Delhi-59. 25. IGNOU Study Material for MA in Rural Development, 2006. Web Sites: 1. http://arunachalpradesh.nic.in/nip.htm 2. http://arunachalpradesh.gov.in Reports: 1. Arunachal Forests, 1993, Dept. of Environment and Forests, Govt. of A.P. 2. Industrial Policy of Arunachal Pradesh, 2008, Dept. of Industries, Govt. of A.P. 3. New Agricultural Policy, 2001, Dept. of Agriculture, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh. 4. Statistical Abstract of Arunachal Pradesh, 2005, Dept. of Statistics & Economics, Govt. of A. P. 5. Status of Agriculture in A. P. (Base Year 1999-2000), Dept. of Agriculture, Govt. of A.P. Questionnaires: 1. How you response to the issue of “Conflicting Status of Jhum cultivation and the Livelihood Rights” in general and when we specify it in context of to Arunachal Pradesh? 2. Do you feel that it is really an issue where there exist a conflict of livelihoods and the ill effect of Jhum cultivation? What are the conflicting perspectives? 3. If there is a conflict – which side you stand? 4. How old is the Jhum practice in A.P. and what is the current status? 5. What were the Government policies in various stages and what is the current status? 6. Is there any intervention from NGO/ social activists / Social groups to check Jhum Cultivation? 7. If Jhum has connectivity to the tribal culture and beliefs – what they are could you site a few? 8. What are the larger fall outs and chain-effects elsewhere if Jhum cultivation is stopped forcefully? 9. Do you thing the Jhum cultivation is irreplaceable? 10. What is your own experience given the fact that for long you have been associated to agriculture and tribes / farmers practicing Jhum? 11. What are the best alternate & the strategy in materialising this? Can you attach any timeline? 12. Kindly tell anything you want to add here.

*Author - a Development Professional. He can be reached at [email protected]