Jhumias Rehabilitation in Tripura: A Comparative Analysis of Plantation Models

Abstract

Traditionally, shifting cultivation has been a major occupation of the native tribes of Tripura, which is ingrained in their social and cultural activities. The practice, however, was replaced by the introduction of plantation crops cultivation, which is the core model used for the jhumias rehabilitation programme by the state government. It is regarded as a successful model in rehabilitating beneficiary owing to the regular flow of income and year-round employment opportunities. The present study finds that cultivation of plantation crops like banana, mango, pineapple, lemon and rubber are economically viable; whereas tea plantation is non-feasible.