Weeding in Jhum Fields

Karbi People of Plasha and Garo People of Darechikgre

Weeding is an important and crucial activity in food production in jhum fields. The practice of weeding varies across different communities, this is demonstrated and adapted according to their traditions.

Inglong aret a nymbul (Weeding in Jhum Field)- Plasha

In May, following the preparation of the jhum field, it is time to start the cultivation of hill paddy. Labour exchange groups assemble at the designated field for this task. Each member of the group performs different roles. These include farmers responsible for broadcasting the hill paddy, others in charge of ploughing and turning of soil and a group mainly comprising women and children dedicated to collecting the weeds and preparing the nymbul.

The process proceeds in a sequence where hill paddy seeds are first broadcasted, followed by farmers tasked with ploughing and turning the soil using spades. A few musicians follow behind, singing, chanting, and beating drums in a rhythm that cues the group to plough the soil in a position for three times.

Simultaneously, women and children trail behind, collecting and removing weeds. The nymbul, which can consist of weeds collected in shallow pits or heaps from various parts of the field, serve as a collection point for weeds and other biomass like bamboo leaves, twigs etc. Rather than discarding these materials, they're gathered into nymbul.

Nymbul are strategically positioned along slopes to mitigate runoff. As the biomass decomposes, it enhances the soil, creating fertile ground for crop cultivation. Sweet potatoes are predominantly cultivated in nymbul, involving the simple process of planting tubers within them. Additionally, sweet potatoes grown in nymbul tend to be larger and more flavoursome, exhibiting superior quality.

A·ba dangani gadangrang (Stages of Weeding in Jhum Fields) - Darechikgre

Weeding of the jhum fields is an elaborate affair, conducted in stages, each with its own name, duration and significance. It primarily involves four stages, along with a pre-weeding stage.

Pre weeding phase- Samdang chua/samsok oka/ boldim pea/sam’pea/boldim choa- This stage has different names owing to regional differences in dialect. It involves the cutting off of shrubs and new growth from the discarded tree roots that emerged after the land has been burned. Some of these growths tend to thrive and be healthier after the fire. A sickle is used for this task. Weed growth during this phase is minimal. Additionally, ginger is planted during this period. This is carried out March to the first week of May. The cuttings are spread across the shifting field as mulch. As this precedes the actual weeding, some farmers may choose to skip it. This is generally considered the easiest stage.. Some of common weed growth during this stage includes- Mangreng budu, neng·gitchak, smu, mega, wakme budu.
A·jakra danga- It is during this stage that all the seeds have germinated and are in the growing stage, including those of weeds, which were lying dormant as seed balls beneath the soil. It is the most intensive stage of weeding, owing to thick growth, and it takes place from the end of May till the beginning of June. After clearing, the weeds are used as mulch. Some common weed varieties found during this stage include Sekso, samkuchok, samjil, mangreng budu, sammok, samchigang, angke gollak, samtakkari, samsi doamik, samsi tongki, matchu wagam, kisol, dadarek. A sickle and a spade-like tool known as gitchi is used for clearing of weeds..
Bamil danga- The second stage, known as bamil dnga, occurs in the second half of June and first half of July. At this point, the grains are about to enter the fruiting stage. A sickle and gitchi is used for weed clearance during this stage. As this stage is conducted in peak monsoon, the cleared weeds are not used as mulch but discarded at a distance far from the field to prevent potential regrowth.
Diri danga- The third stage of weeding occurs in the second half of July and first half of August. During this stage, the weeding process becomes less intensive as the grains are nearing harvest, and initial harvests begin. Weeding continues using a sickle and gitchi. The cleared weeds are used as mulch for the remaining crops, such as ginger and chillies which will continue to grow till the next season..
Megap rata- This last stage of weeding occurs from mid-September to mid-October, following the harvest of grains. The rice stalks are first cleared, followed by the weeds. The cleared vegetation is then used as mulch for crops like ginger and chillies. With the monsoon having receded during this phase, weeds are manually removed. This contributes to the health of the crops, as the presence of mulch reduces weed growth.
In addition to weeds, various wild edibles can also be found in the shifting fields, including mekrip, mikemkem, mebitchi, adorak, balmatchi, didiblok, passim. It has been observed that skipping a single stage affects the yield , as it encourages denser weed growth, reducing space for crops to thrive and increases the likelihood of rodent infestation.

The weeding can be done individually, or as a household, or a group of people through labour exchange or some in hire wage labour. In the past, if one could not afford to pay the wages, one could hire labour in exchange for grains, or rice husks. There is a preference for this traditional method of weeding than adopting modern methods using chemicals. The farmers acknowledge the harmful impacts of chemical use on both their yield, food and the environment.