Annual Plan 1976-77 Government of Mizoram

Abstract

The Union Territory of MIZORAM has an area of 21,019 k?q. Km. with a population of 3.32 lakhs according to 1971 Census. Most of the areas are covered by hill ranges with valleys of deffereni dimension. the bulk of the area is under tropical ever green forests. Agriculture constitutes the main occupation of 93% of the peojtle, Driven by the inhospitable topography, mire than 80% of the tribal people lived on wasteful shifting (jhum) cultivation. The cycle of shifting (jhum) cultivation varies from 3 to 5 years. Owing to continuous shifting cultivation, from time immemorial, a large quantity of valuable natural forests wealth is being burnt every year resulting in erosion of soils at an alarming rate and gradual reduction of crop yields.