Q.4 Suggest steps for qualitative improvement in agriculture in Assam through crop diversification.
23,Oct 2024
Posted By : SPM Academy
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Agriculture forms the backbone of Assam’s economy, contributing around 18% to the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and employing more than 50% of its population. The primary crops include rice, tea, jute, and mustard, with rice being the staple food crop. However, traditional monoculture practices, low productivity, and dependency on rain-fed farming have posed significant challenges. Given these constraints, crop diversification is a promising strategy for qualitative improvement in Assam’s agricultural sector.
Steps for Qualitative Improvement through Crop Diversification:
A. Promotion of High-Value Crops:
Diversifying from traditional rice cultivation to horticulture and cash crops like fruits (pineapple, oranges), spices (ginger, turmeric), and vegetables can significantly improve income for farmers.
The Assam government is already promoting this through the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART), which emphasizes enhancing the production of horticultural crops and linking farmers to markets.
Example: Under APART, the World Bank-funded project has helped introduce high-value crops across 16 districts, increasing both crop yield and profitability.
B. Focus on Organic Farming:
Assam has immense potential for organic farming due to its favorable climatic conditions. Promoting organic farming, especially in crops like tea, ginger, and rice, can cater to the increasing demand for organic produce both nationally and globally.
The state government has promoted organic farming in Majuli, making it India’s first organic-certified district. Expanding similar initiatives can create niche markets for Assam’s agricultural products, boosting income and ensuring sustainability.
C. Promotion of Pulse and Oilseed Cultivation:
With a heavy dependence on rice, there is a need to diversify into pulses (such as black gram, green gram) and oilseeds (like mustard and groundnut) to improve soil fertility and increase farmer income.
The National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP) and other central schemes, with state-level implementation, have been used to promote oilseeds in Assam, helping to reduce dependency on imports while promoting crop diversification.
D. Adoption of Climate-Resilient Varieties:
Assam’s agriculture is highly vulnerable to floods and climate change. Introducing climate-resilient crops such as flood-tolerant rice varieties (e.g., “Ranjit Sub-1” rice), drought-resistant crops, and early-maturing varieties can help farmers manage risks better while increasing productivity.
The Assam Agricultural University has been instrumental in developing flood-resistant rice varieties that have been widely promoted by the state government.
E. Increased Use of Technology and Extension Services:
The use of precision agriculture technologies like drip irrigation, soil health monitoring, and integrated pest management can improve yield and quality.
The Assam government, in collaboration with ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), has initiated several Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to provide training and extension services to farmers, helping them adopt modern agricultural practices and diversify crops effectively.
F. Improving Market Access and Infrastructure:
Strengthening market linkages through Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) and providing cold storage facilities will help farmers diversify into perishable crops like fruits and vegetables.
The Assam government’s Mukhyamantrir Krishi Sa-Sajuli Yojana focuses on improving farm-level infrastructure and supporting farmers with necessary inputs to diversify into high-value crops, thereby improving the quality and marketability of agricultural products.
G. Financial and Insurance Support:
Offering financial support through easy access to credit and crop insurance schemes can encourage farmers to experiment with diverse crops, reducing the risk of income loss due to climate or market fluctuations.
Initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) help mitigate the risks associated with crop diversification, especially in a flood-prone region like Assam.
Government Initiatives:
According to recent government reports, crop diversification efforts under APART have already benefited more than 1 lakh farmers by introducing high-value crops in the state.
The Assam government’s focus on creating organic farming clusters has significantly enhanced the quality of produce in certain districts, increasing demand in both domestic and international markets.
Under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), the state has allocated funds for improving irrigation, promoting pulses, and facilitating modern agricultural practices, further supporting diversification efforts.
To achieve qualitative improvement in Assam’s agriculture through crop diversification, a comprehensive approach combining high-value crop promotion, organic farming, technological interventions, market access, and financial support is crucial. Ongoing government initiatives, coupled with strong policy frameworks and farmer training, will help create a sustainable, resilient, and profitable agricultural sector in Assam.