Which of the following statements regarding jhum cultivation in India are correct ? 1. It is largely practised in North- Eastern Indian states. 2. It is referred to as ‘slash and bum’ technique. 3. In it, the fertility of soil is exhausted in a few years. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Jhum cultivation, also known as shifting cultivation, is a traditional agricultural practice predominantly found in the North-Eastern states of India, including Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland [3]. It is widely referred to as the 'slash and burn' technique because it involves clearing forest land by felling trees and burning the vegetation to prepare the soil [2]. While the resulting ash initially provides nutrients like potash, the soil's fertility is rapidly exhausted within a few years (typically 3 to 5 years) due to nutrient depletion and erosion [2]. Once the land becomes unproductive, farmers shift to a new forest patch, allowing the previous plot to lie fallow for regeneration [2]. However, increasing population pressure has shortened this 'Jhum cycle,' leading to further soil degradation and environmental concerns [3]. Thus, all three statements are correct.

Sources

1. [1] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 9: Agriculture > JHUM/SHIFTING CULTIVATION > p. 309
2. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > 3. Shifting Cultivation > p. 30
3. [2] FUNDAMENTALS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY, CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Primary Activities > Primitive Subsistence Agriculture > p. 27