Teliamura, Apr 01, 2024, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Teliamura, April 01: The tribal families of Atharamura ADC village who were earning their daily livelihoods through jhum cultivation are reeling under crisis due less production and switched over to taro-root food.

The jhumias residing in 47-mile area in Atharamura ADC village under Mungiakami block of Teliamura subdivision are reported to be going through financial hardship due to less jhum production for the last two years.

Jhumias – Kalankani Reang and Khudiram Reang expressed their distress and said that during the last two years their jhum cultivation has fallen sharply leading them to switch over to taro-root known as ‘Kochu’.

Presently the jhumias are collecting taro-roots from jungle to make ‘Thafafurung’ (tribal food) through indigenous food preparation and they are selling in the market of Munguakami and Teliamura. The food is being sold at Rs. 100 per kilogram, they said, adding that it is not sufficient to support their family, but as they are now dependent on taro-root preparation for their alternate earning, they are continuing it.

The jhumias generally cultivate rice gourd, sesame, sweet gourd etc., but due to low production during the last two years, some jhumias have chosen to work on others’ rubber garden and rest switched over to collection of taro-roots from jungles.

Reeling under crisis, the jhumias sought the intervention of the government and eyeing for adequate support for better livelihood.