Jhum (shifting cultivation) is an old-age traditional agricultural method for cultivation in the hill slopes of North-East Indian region. For the study, the area selected is the Resubelpara block of North Garo Hills district in Meghalaya, one of the states in the region. This study is an attempt to analyze the socio-economic status of jhum cultivators. For the prepare data have been collected using FGD (Focus Group Discussion) and interview using schedule method. The results indicate that majority of the people are directly involved with jhum cultivation. Jhum cultivation method is still seen at subsistence level in the block. The study also reveals that in Resubelpara block, the livelihood opportunities of the villagers are indeed limited depending mainly on jhum cultivation. However, some people are involved with dairy, poultry, piggery, goatery activities etc. Pisciculture is also carried in some villages. Recently, government has taken some alternative strategies gradually to reduce the scale of jhum cultivation. Schemes under government activities like rubber plantation, banana, orange and pineapple plantation have been implemented in the block area.   

Key words: Jhum cultivation, subsistence agriculture, livelihood opportunities, jhumias, alternative strategy