A Case Study Of Shifting Cultivation In Sarawak

Shifting cultivation in Serian differs from that in other areas as the cultivators are less primitive and live in permanent villiages. The shifting cultivators practise field rotation by moving onto a new plot of land after the existing one has lost its fertility. Temporary shelters are built within the farms during the growing season as a protection from the rain and to serve as rest houses. The crops, especially dry padi are cultivated on hill slopes as this is the only land to them; the lowlands are occupied by the urban people. One side of the slope is terraced to prevent soil erosion. There is also evidence everywhere that the slash and burn method is carried on this plot of land as there is a thick layer of black ash on the ground and burnt out branches and leaves everywhere. Evidence of slashing too is clearly seen, such a freshly cut tree stumps which stick out of the ground in every part of the farm. The top of the stumps are unevenly cut due to the use of primitive tools. The stumps would have been flat and smooth if modern machinery were used, but, in this case, instruments such as the axe, are used. Undergrowth layer is first cleared using a bushknife in early June. In order to conserve time and labour the trees on the upper slope are felled first with the use of the Bliong and Kapak thus dragging the trees on the lower slope down. After a period of approximately 3 weeks, the wood would have lost most of its moisture due to the intense heat of the sun and would be ready for burning. Two or three days after burning, sowing of seeds commences. The farmers use simple tools such as the dibble sticks to make holes in the ground. The seeds are put in and the holes are covered with soil. Little weeding is done to cut down soil erosion. Mixed cropping is practised because different crops make different demands on the soil, retarding rapid loss of soil fertility. Since shifting cultivation is on a subsistence scale, a great variety of crops is needed and the food is mainly for consumption of the farmer's family. The main crop grown is hill padi and other crop including melon, maize, cassava, and sweet potatoes. By the beginning of January, the shifting cultivators are able to harvest the padi. The rest of the crop are harvested at different intervals so as to ensure a continous supply of food all year round. In this area, the land becomes infertile after 4 to 5 years and the cultivators moved to a new plot of land. Copyright © 1996 Raffles Girls School.