Current Science

D. K. Pandey ¹, P. Adhiguru ², S. Vimla Devi ³, Shivani Dobhal ¹, S. K. Dubey ⁴, T. S. Mehra ¹

Affiliations
1 College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University (I), Pasighat 791 102, IN
2 Division of Agricultural Extension, KAB-I, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi 110 012, IN
3 ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi 110 012, IN
4 ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kanpur 278 002, IN

Abstract

The narrowing of diversity in crop species contributing to the world’s food supplies has been considered a potential threat to food security. The present study quantifies crop species diversity in controversial shifting cultivation system (SCS) using primary data from 52 villages spread across six North-Eastern (NE) hill states of India. The findings reveal that SCS is much diversified compared to settled cultivation system. Along with cereals, millets and pulses, the upland tribes grow a variety of horticultural crops on SC land. At the aggregate level, horticultural crops in the sampled states were observed to be much diversified and the mean diversification index value was found to be 0.79 (Simpson’s Diversity Index) for the six NE hill states on SC land. The present study documented 25 cultivars of vegetables, 22 cultivars of fruits, spices and plantation crops, and 12 field crops in SCS, besides many minor fruits and underutilized vegetables. However, the most densely populated crop species were rice, maize and finger millet in the case field crops. Vegetable crops included pumpkin, potato and ash gourd, and fruit crops included banana, pineapple and citrus, while spices like ginger, chilli and turmeric were densely cultivated on SC land. Thus, the prevailing crop species in SCS had their own attributes, performances and challenges. Experiences of the present study shall be the guiding benchmark for those who negate the possibilities of agrobiodiversity in SCS.

Keywords

Agrobiodiversity, Crop Diversity, Upland Tribes, Shifting Cultivation.

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D. K. Pandey ¹, P. Adhiguru ², H. K. De ³

Affiliations
1 Central Agricultural University (I), Pasighat 791 102, IN
2 Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan-I, Pusa, New Delhi 110 012, IN
3 ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar 751 002, IN

Abstract

Community attachment to places or practices and the cultural contexts of tribes are subjects of long traditions of research. A few studies, however, have extended these traditions into increasingly marginalized areas located beyond historically deprived upland communities. This study addresses issues related to the sentiments of attachment and constructions of place among the low-income Konyak Naga tribe in Nagaland, situated on the outer fringes of the Eastern Himalaya. Using four-dimensional model proposed by Raymond et al., with factor analysis, the study revealed that in addition to socio-economic factors that affect such connection to land and landscape, place dependence construct (lack of alternate livelihood) is observed to be the most important driver of attachment to the practice of shifting cultivation. This was followed by strong connections with the natural environment or nature bonding of Konyak Naga to the forest. Contribution of economic and traditional institution- bonding with the practice was found among the tribe as a means of livelihood. Sensing that such debate of the socio-spatial environment might be perceived as inconsistent, ill-informed and negative, we discuss implications in relation to cultural diversity and broader concerns about evolving rural poverty.

Keywords

Factorial Analysis, Place Attachment Model, Shifting Cultivation, Tribal Communities.

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D. K. Pandey ¹, P. Adhiguru ², Uma Sah ³, N. Devachandra ¹, S. K. Dubey ⁴, Chandra Deo ¹

Affiliations
1 College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat 791 102, IN
2 Division of Agricultural Extension, Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan-I, ICAR, New Delhi 110 012, IN
3 ICAR-Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur 278 002, IN
4 ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kanpur 278 002, IN

Abstract

Natural environmental settings, in general, are considered by humans as the ideal ambience which makes them happy and reinvigorated especially within their mental realm. If this is the case, can we assume that all green spaces are synonymous to augmenting happiness? Biodiversity is expressed in terms of a system having number and abundance of different species. For resilience of various ecosystem services like food production, climate regulation, and pest management to take place, prevalence of such biodiversity is essential which can substantially contribute to sustained human well-being. In this study, we assessed the status of agrobiodiversity and subjective well-being of an indigenous community amidst the transition from shifting cultivation (SC) to monoculture of natural rubber (NR). Sampling the respondents from 18 villages of Dhalai, Tripura, a remotely located district in northeast India and bordered by Bangladesh, we used mixed methods research for in depth investigation. Findings revealed that in the SC landscape of study area, the cultivated crop species and livestock breeds were being largely replaced by encroachment from rubber plantation. We documented only 19 crop species on such a landscape which is otherwise known for its vast agrobiodiversity in the tropics. This kind of transition from SC to NR which is usually supported by the government development interventions, has severely affected the ecosystem services of such landscapes and banishing happiness from the indigenous communities, as perceived by them. Hence stabilization of rich agrobiodiversity and simultaneously ensuring the peoples’ well-being is the only potential alternative for development in the region.

Keywords

Agrobiodiversity, Indigenous Community, Northeast India, Rubber Plantation, Shifting Cultivation Landscape.

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D. K. Pandey ¹, Amandine Junot ², P. Adhiguru ³

Affiliations
1 College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University (Manipur), Pasighat 791 102, IN
2 Facult_e des Sciences de l’Homme et de l’Environnement, Universit_e de La R_eunion, Saint-Denis, FR
3 Agricultural Extension Division, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi 110 012, IN

Abstract

Nowadays, sense of place is increasingly becoming prevalent in environmental research. It is an interesting concept to study both attachment and emotional relationships that individuals or groups hold for a specific place. In order to understand such bonds to forested landscape and shifting cultivation (SC) among tribal communities, we employed a four-dimensional place attachment model and empirically tested it using factor analysis. The results of this study revealed that besides socio-economic factors which affect the bonds to a place and the place-based practice, strong connections with the natural environment and lack of alternative occupations are significant factors which might explain tribal dependence to the land and SC. Indeed, sense of place would allow a better understanding of territorial issues and favour place management.

Keywords

Forested Landscape, Indigenous People, Sense of Place, Shifting Cultivation.

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