Agriculture is the major part of the economy of Arunachal Pradesh. In Arunachal Pradesh, agriculture is the main occupation of the people.

Jhum cultivation or shifting cultivation is synonymous with agriculture in Arunachal Pradesh. This form of cultivation is predominant in Arunachal Pradesh, since a very long time; jhum cultivation is still practiced with the same vigor in the different parts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Jhum cultivation implies clearing of the forest in patches by cutting or burning the trees of a particular area. The clearing of the forest by this technique is done after a number of years. The farmers sow the seeds in the cleared patches in the jhum cycle and weed, watch and protect the plants before harvesting the final yield.

The agriculture of Arunachal Pradesh is not that well developed as in the other parts of the country. The agricultural yields in Arunachal Pradesh in just enough to feed the agricultural farmers. Among the crops that form an integral part of agriculture of Arunachal Pradesh are:

Paddy
Millet
Maize
Brinjal
Sweet potato
Ginger
Chillies
Cucumber
Pumpkin
Cowpea, etc.

Agriculture at Arunachal Pradesh also comprise of the cultivation of fruits in the territory of Arunachal Pradesh. Some of the main fruits grown in Arunachal Pradesh are:

Oranges
Pineapples
Litchi
Papaya
Lemon
Banana
Peach walnut
Almond, etc.

Among the tribal population of Arunachal Pradesh, the Adis and Apatanis tribes practice agriculture in Arunachal Pradesh. The Adis and Apatanis extensively indulge their labor in rice cultivation. In fact, in Arunachal Pradesh, the Apatanis tribe is known for their cultivation of paddy and pisciculture. The Apatanis are famous for growing paddy and fish in the same field.

Thus, we can see that the people of Arunachal Pradesh have their distinct style of agriculture. Agriculture in Arunachal Pradesh implies growing crops through a process known as jhum cultivation.

Last Updated on 03 January 2011