In Mizoram, where shifting cultivation, locally known as jhum, has been a way of life for generations, the shifting dynamics of land use and climate are pressing farmers to rethink traditional practices. Jhum cultivation, a cyclical system of clearing forested land for short-term farming before moving to new plots, has long supported rural communities’ subsistence needs. However, soil degradation, land scarcity, and the unpredictable effects of the climate crisis are challenging its sustainability.

For Pu R. Lalduhawma, a 46-year-old farmer from Pangbalkawn Village in Kolasib District, these challenges hit close to home. Farming three acres of land through traditional jhum, he struggled to produce enough food for his family. Decreasing soil fertility, erratic rainfall, and rising temperatures rendered staple crops like rice and maize less viable. The spectre of using chemical fertilizers loomed, threatening to compromise the ecological integrity of his fields.

“Farmers like Lalduhawma often find themselves at a crossroads, torn between traditional methods and the growing need for adaptive practices,” explained C. Vanlalhriata, FPA, Zoram Entu Pawl (ZEP). “Through the FARM Northeast Project, we encourage them to embrace sustainable solutions that balance their heritage with future resilience.”

As a member of the Farmers’ Club under the FARM Northeast Project, facilitated by Caritas India, Lalduhawma participated in training sessions and workshops on climate-adaptive agriculture. He learned about soil conservation, organic farming, and the potential of crop diversification. Inspired by discussions with fellow farmers, he decided to integrate areca nut a crop increasingly viable in Mizoram’s changing climate—into his farming system.

By adopting mixed cropping practices and establishing a pit composting system, Lalduhawma took crucial steps toward sustainable farming. The pit composting not only helped manage farm waste but also restored soil fertility, allowing him to reduce reliance on chemical inputs. In addition, by creating market linkages, he diversified his income streams, ensuring greater stability for his family.

“I was tempted to use chemical fertilizers to boost my yields,” Lalduhawma admitted. “But with guidance from FARM Northeast, I committed to organic farming. Incorporating areca nut has been transformative, and pit composting has given me hope for restoring soil health. I now see the possibility of producing the same vegetables and crops in larger quantities without harming the environment.”

Lalduhawma’s success is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptation. His journey from jhum cultivation to a sustainable farming model underscores the potential for smallholder farmers to tackle the twin challenges of food security and climate change. His story serves as an inspiring example for others in Mizoram who are grappling with similar challenges, offering a path forward rooted in sustainability and community wisdom.

Caritas India’s FARM Northeast project has not only helped secure Lalduhawma’s livelihood but has also planted the seeds of a sustainable agricultural revolution in Mizoram. As these seeds take root and flourish, they promise a future where tradition and innovation work hand in hand, ensuring food security and environmental stewardship for generations to come.