Evaluating second year cropping on jhum fallows in Mizoram, north-eastern India: Energy and economic efficiencies |
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Authors: | Tawnenga Uma Shankar R S Tripathi |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Botany, Pachhunga University College, North-Eastern Hill University, 796005 Aizawl, India;(2) G B Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, 791113 Vivek Vihar, Itanagar, India;(3) Department of Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, 793022 Shillong, India |
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Abstract: | Energy and economic efficiencies were evaluated on young (6 year) and old (20 year) jhum fields in Mizoram, north-eastern
India during second year of cropping, and were compared with those in the first year. The effect of auxiliary measures such
as tilling the soil or application of fertilizers (chemical or farm-yard manure or both in combination) was also examined
on energy and economic efficiencies. The results indicated that traditional jhum cultivation is labour intensive and energy
efficient, producing almost 15–20 times of energy invested. Energy and economic efficiencies decline with shortening of jhum
cycle. These efficiencies decline further from first to second year of cropping. Tilling is not useful to improve either energy
or economic efficiency. Fertilizer application, which is though profitable from the point of view of economic efficiency,
is highly energy inefficient. Application of fertilizers during second year cropping can be encouraged. Organic manuring may
be a better option than others to alleviate energy efficiency. However, a combination of organic and inorgamic manuring could
be the best option to enhance economic efficiency. |
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Keywords: | Jhum energy efficiency economic efficiency fertilizer application farm-yard manure rice cultivation |
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