Content area
Full Text
ABSTRACT
Various models of sustainable indigenous farming practices exist among the tribal population, especially among tribes of the North East Region of India. These practices are often considered as an alternative to old age practices of shifting cultivation which has a negative impact on the natural ecosystem in many ways. This paper focuses on the practices and importance of the Zabo farming system, an indigenous farming model practiced by the Naga tribe in Nagaland. The word "Zabo" means impounding of water in the local dialect. Zabo farming comprises integrated agricultural activities such as forest land for silviculture, water harvesting, animal husbandry, and paddy cultivation along the slope of the hills.
HIGHLIGHTS
© Zabo a Sustainable Indigenous Farming Model practiced in the state of Nagaland.
© Farming approach based on farming integration and conservation natural resources.
Keywords: Nagaland, indigenous, sustainable, tribal, Zabo
Nagaland became the 16th state of an Indian union located in the northeastern region of India. More than half of the state population lives in rural areas, and agriculture is the main occupation for more than 70% of the population. Shifting / Jhum cultivation which is an old traditional system of farming, is widely practiced in the state. It is believed that the old age practiced of shifting cultivation dates back to as old as the Neolithic period around 7000 BC (Borthakur 1982). Exploitation nature of shifting cultivation on the natural ecosystem, biodiversity, and cause of deforestation it is not considered as a sustainable approach for farming and land management practice. Over the years tribal farmer through their ingenious skill and experiences has developed a various alternative farming system of shifting cultivation such as alder based farming system, zabo farming system and wet terrace rice cultivation, etc. The present paper attempts to elaborate on the evolution and management practices of zabo farming system practiced by tribal farmers of in the state of Nagaland.
Scope of Indigenous Farming Practices
A different system of sustainable indigenous farming practices and indigenous knowledge exists among the tribal people in North East Region. In Nagaland, indigenous farming systems viz., alder based farming system, zabo farming, and wet terrace rice cultivation etc. are practices which widely. These farming practices are evolved by locals through their farming experience and skills...