Traditional rice farming and livelihood dynamics of jhum cultivators in Mon district Nagaland, India

Abstract Jhum cultivation is a traditional agricultural practice, which continues to support the livelihood of indigenous communities in Northeast India while also serving as an important on-farm conservation of crop genetic resources. In Mon district of Nagaland, over 93% of the population depends on jhum for subsistence. This study documents traditional rice cultivation practices, associated cultural values, socio-economy and conservation status of landrace rice under jhum farming systems. Rice germplasm collection and semi-structured personal interviews were conducted across 24 villages, involving 120 farmers in 8 administrative blocks of Mon district. Results from this study document the critical role of traditional jhum cultivation in livelihood generation and socio-cultural life of the Konyak community living in Mon district. The study resulted in the collection of 147 traditional rice accessions. Some of the landrace rice were linked with cultural practices, medicinal uses and ritual significance. Rice such as ‘ Vumchong ’ and ‘ Wang-tsahyan ’ holds deep historical and ceremonial importance. Pests and diseases pressure, limited external inputs and climatic factors were some concerns that influence rice production. However, farmers continue to safeguard their unique germplasm through traditional methods of seed selection and preservation. This research underscores rich genetic diversity conserved through traditional agricultural practice and the urgent need for conservation, participatory breeding and policy interventions.