Jhum cultivation declines in Bangladesh hill tracts

Traditional Jhum cultivation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts is experiencing a decline as farmers increasingly transition to fruit orchards and teak plantations. In Khagrachari, data from the Agriculture Extension Department indicates a reduction in Jhum acreage, with cultivation areas dropping by approximately 10 hectares between the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years.

Farmers cite several reasons for this shift, including the loss of fertile land due to the expansion of residential areas and orchards, as well as declining soil fertility. Some cultivators noted that they now must rely on fertilizers and pesticides, which were not previously required. There are also concerns regarding a lack of access to government agricultural loans to support traditional farming.

In Bandarban, the harvest season remains a significant cultural event. During the September to October period, communities gather on hillside slopes to harvest crops such as rice, corn, ginger, and sesame. This harvest is followed by traditional Nabanna festivals held between December and February.