Project title: Future sources of agricultural growth in North East India          

Project leader: Dr. B. C. Barah

Project Team: Dr. Pratap Singh Birthal, Dr. K. K. Datta

Background:

NE region is dominated by smallholder (86%) having the average size of holding of 1.1ha. On account of low and risky agricultural production, there is high level of poverty (40%) and also technological backwardness prevails. In current situation there is limited scope to raise growth through staple crops. But, there is congenial environment for high value crops, pig, poultry and beef.

Objectives:

1.      Examine the growth trajectory of agriculture in the northeast India

2.      Investigate the nature, extent and trends in diversification towards high value agriculture

3.      Quantify the contribution of  diversification to agricultural growth

4.      Examine the participation of smallholders in high value agricultural production

5.      Identify constraints to growth of high value agriculture

6.      To suggest policy options promoting high value agriculture and participation of

       Smallholders

Study area: North East

Methodology:

1.      Growth trends

2.      Decomposition analysis

3.      Constraint analysis

Key findings:

1.    The growth of agriculture decelerating in the most of the states in north east region.

2.    The problems of transfer of technology in the farmers’ fields often includes lack of  appropriate technology.

3.    Prevailing climatic conditions may be a strength in developing low cost irrigation system, cost effective storage and longer shelf life in agricultural produce etc. 

4.    Poor agricultural infrastructure facilities

5.    The region has failed to take advantages of free border trade in the neighbouring countries. Although the formal trade is negligible, there are large flow of goods and services to and from the region to the surrounding countries.

Funding agency: NCAP