Indigenous Farm Tools Used by the Tribal Farmers of Mizoram in Zhum Cultivation

Present study was carried out with the objective to document indigenous tools and implements used in zhum farming by tribal farmers of Mizoram. After preliminary survey, five representative districts namely Champhai, Lunglei, Kolasib, Saiha and Serchip were identified for the study. One block from each district and from each block, two villages were selected on the basis of suggestions of the State Government officials. Details about each implement and tool were collected and informative notes were taken during meeting with the farmers. To verify and analyze the information, discussion was held with the officials of State Agriculture Department of Mizoram and scientists of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Shillong, Meghalaya. The major implements and tools used by farmers were found to be Chempui, Chem Kawm, Tuthlaw, Chemkawi, Em (Carrying baskets), Zam Pher, Thlangra, Kho and Local Mizo-Cart. Technical specifications, merits and demerits and suggestions for improvement in the design of hand tools to enhance efficiency are also presented.