When ‘Luchii’ Holds No Meaning

December, known as “Luchii” in the Ao Naga language, traditionally signifies the month for clearing forests to prepare jhum fields. Historically, December was a time when entire villages would clear patches of regenerated forests for cultivation, aligning with the cultural rhythm of the Ao Naga people. However, the relevance of this term is fading as jhum cultivation becomes increasingly rare.

Urban dwellers have totally abandoned jhum cultivation, and even villagers are steadily moving away from the practice. Oral history suggests that the traditional jhum cycle lasted 10 to 15 years, during which a patch of land was cultivated for two years before being left fallow to regenerate naturally. Contrary to the popular belief that shorter fallow periods result from increased population pressure, many villages now see extended fallow periods due to the dwindling number of jhum cultivators. Some Ao Naga villages have even ceased jhum cultivation entirely. In villages where jhum cultivation is still practiced, fallow periods have nearly doubled, while the size of the jhum patch—referred to as pok in the local language—has been reduced by half due to the decreasing number of cultivators. This means that a patch of land previously cultivated within a single year is now divided and cultivated over two or more years.

The decline of jhum cultivation raises concerns about the potential loss of cultural heritage. No substantial scientific research seems to have been conducted on the implications of this trend, but if it continues, the Ao Naga community risks losing a crucial part of its identity. Jhum cultivation has historically been the foundation of many traditional and customary practices, and its disappearance could erode the distinctiveness of the Ao Naga way of life.

While various factors contribute to the decline of jhum cultivation, government policies have played a significant role in discouraging it. These policies, though perhaps well-intentioned, have proven counterproductive. Recent research indicates that jhum cultivation is not harmful to the environment; on the contrary, it supports regional ecological balance and biodiversity.

This calls for immediate action by native scholars, researchers, and farmers’ rights groups. Investigating the decline of jhum cultivation could uncover systemic issues, including potential economic or political motives behind government discouragement of the practice. Rather than phasing it out, jhum cultivation should be revitalized with modern scientific techniques, ensuring its sustainability and preserving the cultural and ecological legacy it represents.

MT