Types of Labour Exchange

Jar and Cheirne in Plasha 

Jar and Cheirne represent a unique labour exchange system devised to collectively accomplish farming and non-farming tasks in a rotational manner. In the Jar system, smaller groups of 3-4 members, and very rarely 5 members, are formed. A Jar consists of either all male members or all female members, all youth members, or all children members. Two or three family members can be part of a Jar, or another family member can replace the initial member in case of an emergency. Within this setup, each member takes turns assisting another member in their field for a day. The following day, this reciprocal arrangement continues as members lend their hands to different fellow members. The work may not necessarily be the same for all members and may differ. For instance, if there are five members, it will require 5 days for each member to receive help in their field with this rotation persisting until all fields have been tended to. The activities could also include both farm and non-farm activities like masonry, tilling, and wedding arrangements, amongst others.

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Cheirne follows the same fundamental concept but involves larger groups, typically consisting of 10 to 100 members. Cheirne happens only once or twice a year and includes only farming activities like sowing, harvesting, fencing, threshing, etc. The main objective of the Cheirne is to complete the work in a day and may sometimes involve both the Jar and the Cheirne depending on the urgency of the work and the size of the land. Initially, in the olden days the labour was paid back with dry fish or chillies but now labour is exchanged with labour even though it may be at another time (after 2-3 years). The Cheirne includes both men and women unlike the Jar. For instance, if there are 50 members in a Cheirne group, each individual is committed to provide assistance in the fields of all the other 49 fellow members when the need arises. This practice is deeply rooted in the spirit of mutual support. Instead of hiring external labour, we rely on the collaborative effort of our fellow community members to collectively carry out farming activities on a rotational basis. This system ensures the successful completion of farming tasks while fostering a profound sense of care and solidarity within our community. It embodies the principle of helping one another and reinforces our commitment to supporting fellow community members when they require assistance in their fields. This tradition reflects our dedication to mutual support and collective well-being, creating strong bonds among us.

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Lei Ram Sngei in Umsawwar 

Since ancient times our community relied on a deep sense of cooperation and mutual support for various farming activities in our shifting cultivation especially for millet cultivation, threshing, and harvest. We would reach out to our neighbours, fellow farmers, and relatives, seeking their assistance to collectively accomplish these farming tasks. This spirit of collaboration was the cornerstone of our agricultural practices.

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Even with the emergence of broom grass cultivation and the new demands it brought, our communal bonds remained strong. We continued to call upon our neighbours and relatives to help with tasks like broom grass cutting, collecting, and gathering, all with the aim of completing the work efficiently and swiftly. There were two distinct ways in which we practised the exchange of labour, known as "lei ram sngei." In one scenario, a person might call upon someone to assist him/her in the field, and in return,  food would be prepared for them, often inviting them for dinner as a token of gratitude. In another scenario, when I help out my neighbour or relative, they would reciprocate by coming to help me in return, and in this case, there was no need for any prepared meal since we were engaged in a direct labour exchange.

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What's truly remarkable is that our community have a deep sense of solidarity and empathy. When some households fell behind in completing their farming activities, fellow farmers would step in to assist them, even without any formal invitation. It is an illustration of the mutual understanding and support that binds us together.

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Exchange of Labour is also organized by the “Kur” or clans, referred to as “Lei Ram Sngei Kur.” This holds utmost significance than any other labour exchange. It requires a mandatory participation from families belonging to the same clan. Any proposed work cannot be conducted if a member of the clan is unable to attend. Attendance is vital to guarantee that all members contribute and receive equal labour. Such norms are placed to also ensure that clans stay connected and foster mutual support among members in all times of need.

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Here in Umsawwar, knowledge exchange on agriculture is not just a practice; it's a way of life. We freely share insights on seed keeping and treatment, soil improvement techniques, and strategies for managing pests. This collective wisdom enriches us all and ensures that our agricultural heritage remains vibrant and resilient