Zabo: A Time-tested Integrated Farming System Practiced by Chakhesang Tribe of Nagaland

Abstract

“Zabo†is a traditional way of integrating different farm enterprise in such a way that the overall income of the farmers can be enhanced. The practice was developed some 80-100 year
back by the ingenious and skillful farmers of Chakhesang tribe of the Kikrumavillage. The term Zabo is derived from the word zabö, which is used for “impounding runoff water†in chokri dialect. It is also known as Dzüdü or Ruza system in certain areas of Phek. Zabo system of farming has the combination of forestry, horticulture, agriculture, fishery and animal husbandry with well-founded soil and water conservation base. Ponds are dug in the
middle to store the water channelized from hilltop. Water channelized from the top, first goes to the silt retention tank where silt is retained and then it is stored in pond for irrigation. Cattle and buffalo are the common livestock reared near the pond, vegetables and fruits are grown on bunds or just below the livestock enclosures. The water for irrigation to rice fields is taken
from the pond through the livestock enclosures so that the dung and urine of the animals can be carried to the fields. This serves as a good source of nutrients for the paddy crops. Jhum or
shifting cultivation is another farming system practiced in the region, where farmers practices the mixed cropping, however in zabo system along with the crops, fruits, livestock and fishes
are also integrated in very scientific manner. The present study in Kikruma village of Phek district, Nagaland was undertaken for systematically recording of various components practised under zabo system and their significance. The data on various aspect of zabo farming system were collected through group discussions, structured interviews and questionnaires from 40 respondents of the village. The findings of the study revealed that cereals, pulses and vegetables are the major components of jhum, whereas in zabo other than cereals pulses and vegetable, fruits, livestock and fish are also integrated. The average yield of paddy in zabo system was recorded to be 1.95 tonnes/ha which is higher than jhum(1.0 ton/ha)with high seed requirement. From the study it can be concluded that zabo farming system was developed in Kikrumavillage of Phek district of Nagaland, the system is
remunerative, sustainable, preserves soil fertility and eco-friendly. The system has built in mechanism of integrating different farming options like cereals, pulses, vegetable, fruits, livestock and fishery.