22. The trees are pollarded, traditionally on an eight year
Rotation. Branches are used for firewood and building
23. The trees are not cut down. After each pollarding, waste wood
is burnt and ash spread around trees, and crops planted.
24. These trees show about one year’s growth, and the land around
is still being cropped.
25. After two years of cropping, the land and trees are
left to regenerate for another six years.
26. After four years it looks like completely abandoned
farm land, but it is actually under a careful management system
27. The Angami valley is unique in Nagaland. In all other tribes, nearly
all of the trees have been cleared and the land farmed conventionally
28. The Juhm system extends beyond the terraces, up
the open valley sides
29. Farming on the hillsides is not as easy or as
productive as in the terraces.
30. Where undergrowth is cleared on hillsides, steps are
taken to stop open soil erosion.
31. Livestock, semi-wild cattle, are confined to the hillsides above the
arable fields. They are brought into the village for slaughter. Every
household also has a pig. Nagas eat anything that moves…
32. Kohima market is not for the faint hearted, (such as me)
These eels come from the terraced fields. I didn’t ask where the
wriggly black things with a million little legs came from
33. But do go to Nagaland, it is wonderful and welcoming. But note,
If two of you want to go together, you do have to be married!