Move to stop jhum cultivation; All-out effort by Arunachal Govt

NAHARLAGUN, March 25: The State Agriculture Department is making all-out efforts to do away with the traditional method of shifting and jhum cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh for the last couple of years. "The department has initiated several measures in tackling the problems related to the shifting cultivation practice by the local tribes in the state," Tako Dabi, Minister Agriculture told the State Assembly here on Thursday. The Minister was responding to a question raised by Congress member Anok Wangsa about what steps the government has taken to prevent jhum cultivation in the State. As part of it, Dabi disclosed the adequate thrust has been laid on watershed approach especially on agro-forestry; horticulture, field crops, soil and water conservation and household production style. "Apart from demonstrative programme for improvement of jhum crops incorporating all measures against undesirable aspects of jhuming, he said the department has taken up generating public awareness against taking up jhum cultivation through FTC training. The Agriculture Minister also disclosed that the Government had tested the above policy in various places of the State and encouraged farmers with suitable species. Replying to the Anok's another question whether the government is aware of the fact that 90 per cent of land in Tirap district is suitable for production of Topica in large, he said yes, and that the Government is very keen to exploit full potention of this crop and accordingly, a proposal involving Rs 1.67 crore was submitted to the planning Commission for approval.