Shifting cultivation contributes eco-depletion in Mizoram

Aizawl, Jan 11 (UNI) The latest environment report of Mizoram has revealed about 70 per cent farmers of the state are still depending on shifting cultivation and average 40,000 hactares, which is 3.85 per cent of total cultivable land is still under jhum.

Thanks to sufficient rainfall, the forest area in Mizoram is 27.42 per cent larger than the national prescribed percentage for hilly region, the report stated.

Referring the report of state Environment&Forest Minister Dr R Lalthangliana said Jhumming contributes 44.56 to 50.65 per cent of the total soil loss and deforestation in Mizoram.

Apart from jhum cultivation, road transport has played a big role so far as environment depletion is concerned and contributes to pollution of air, water, noise, soil and biodiversity.

UNI