The paper explores shifting cultivation practices by the Kukis of Manipur. It argues that the practices is not merely an economic activity; it is a cultural practice deeply rooted in ecological ethics and indigenous knowledge systems. The customary knowledge embedded in agriculture reflects a harmonious relationship with nature, guided by principles of sustainability, reciprocity, and respect for the environment. It also highlights how customary norms regulate land use, conserve soil fertility, and prevent resource over-exploitation. Agricultural festivals, taboos, and authority of the village institutions further reinforce these ethical practices. The institution of the village chief (Haosa) and his councils regulate the cultivation cycles, fallow periods, and collective responsibilities, reflecting an indigenous form of ecological governance. Sacred rituals performed during land clearing or harvest embody an ethical relationship between humans and nature, reinforcing respect for the environment. The findings demonstrate that Thadou-Kuki agricultural knowledge represents a holistic system where custom and ecology converge to sustain both community and environment