Agriculture and Horticulture: North-Eastern states

generating hope and opportunity- A study

AnaljyotiBasu & Bodhiswatta Ghosh

Abstract:

A countries development depends upon the synchronous development of its each and every

region and part. The same is true for India. But the concept of equal growth and development fall

short for imbalancement in certain regionsand partsdevelopment. North-Eastern region on a

whole spells out in favor of imbalanced regional growth. While speaking about North-East India

the main obstruction in development surges out of insurgencies in this region. But slowly and

surely the situation is changing as the eight states (Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya,

Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh)have pushed aside the black days of

insurgencies to great extent and join hands with other parts of India for unified growth and

development. Growth in Tourism, Gross State Domestic Product (7.7 on average with respect to

India’s average of 8.39) Industrial Development, Human Resource Development, Business

Development, Agricultural Development and certain increase in total income have unifiedly

advocated for this truth. In terms of Agriculture the upliftment is shouldered by growth in

agricultural production, focus on new techniques of agricultural production, focus on new crops

of production, increasing the productivity of land, finding out new lands for agriculture,

increasing business of different agricultural and agricultural based products.Alongside recent

International bilateral relationship with ASEAN countries, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal and

Bhutan has added extra boost to this entire regions business and economy which has also

penetrated in the agricultural upliftment of the same. The present paper will explore and focus on

different dimensions of agricultural growth in the recent years.

Keywords: Agricultural development, North-Eastern states

*Author

Analjyoti Basu Lecturer, Siliguri College of Commerce ,Siliguri, India ,email-

analjyotione@gmail.com, M:9434679226

*Co-Author

Bodhiswatta Ghosh , Ex-student(2008-2011), Siliguri Commerce College , BBA(Extension

Campus),Siliguri, India, email-ghoshbodhiswatta@hotmail.com, M:9475395888

Introduction

Northeast India is the eastern-most region of India which is connected to East India by a narrow

corridor which is also known as Siliguri Corridor . It comprises eight states-in names to be spelt

out-Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim.

Due to cultural and historical reasons and as a connecting link between Assam and Sikkim parts

of North Bengal in West Bengal (districts of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar) are also

included in this part of India’s geography. The region is highly diverse in terms of agro-eco

system,socio-cultural mixture of the people, a blend of multiplicity of ethnicity and geo-

topographical variability. Average rainfall in the region is the highest in the country. The

renowned agricultural scientist Dr M S Swaminathan describes the region as a cultural and

genetic paradise and granary of mega biodiversity in terms of flora and fauna as well as micro-

flora and micro-fauna(B.C.Barah).The truth is that the Gross Domestic Product(GDP) of this

region has crossed the national average. In it one of the main contributing factor is the shoot up

of the Agriculture, Horticulture and Agri-based industries which has contributed to the growth.

Growth Rate of Gross State Domestic Product in Agriculture Sector at constant 2004-05

prices(2005-06 to 2011-12) furnished by Central Statistical organization & Ministry of

Agriculture, Govt.of India(as on 01.03.2012) shows that average of the North-Eastern states from

2005-06 to 2011-12 has shown that neither states has got the negative value. Same factor is being

spelt out by State wise Growth Rate of Agriculture and Allied Sector in India:(2005-06 to 2011-

2012) again furnished by Central Statistical organization & Ministry of Agriculture, Govt.of

India(as on 01.03.2012) shows that average in this case for each of the North-Eastern states have

never moved negative. Catching up this fact Government of India in their budget 2013-14 has

allocated hefty amount of 1000 crores and targeting of starting of next Green –Revolution from

the Eastern states. This growth is not only the initiative taken by the union Government but is

also the Central Government’s efforts were reciprocated by different efforts taken up by the

individual state governments which are blessed by dip in insurgencies in this region helping in

smooth implementation of different projects . The hand-to-hand work has not only produced

result in the past but is expected to harvest good results in the coming days as the corporate

world is also seriously thinking of “look East through North-East”.

Review of Literature

Agricultural Development of North-East has gained focus of different writers in different

magazines, journals, articles and reports. Even the writers have taken into account different

districts while discussing about the growth of agriculture in this part. Some of the noteworthy

discussions are paid focus in this part. “Genetic Resources of Vegetable Crops of North Eastern

Himalayan Region” by R.K.Yadav, B.C.Deka and S.K.Sanwal discusses the status and bio-

diversity of different vegetables growing in this region. While “Export Potential of Horticultural

Products from North Eastern States” sponsored by Agriculture and Processed Food Products

Exports Development Authority(APEDA),New Delhi says that integration of Indian Economy

with global markets, the potential of horticulture exports from this region can provide huge

international benefits in the coming years. In case of report with respect to individual states

“Traditional agricultural practices and sustainable livelihood-Athematic Report” by

VengotaNakro focused on traditional agricultural practices in Nagaland which is dependent upon

its high degree of agro-diversity. Focus upon Meghalaya’s agricultural practices which is also

boosted by participation of different indigenous community and tribes are placed in “Traditional

agricultural practices in Meghalaya, North East India” written by Solomon

RetnaDhasNadarJeeva,Roytre Christopher Laloo and BhanuPrakashMishra.B.C.Barah in his

article- “North Eastern India: Strategies for agricultural development-an overview“ after

presenting the overall present scenario of North-Eastern Agriculture focused on Specific

Researchable Issues,EWxtension/Developmental issues, policy research issues. In “Impact of

Macro Management of Agricultural Scheme-A study of Assam” by Dr.Ranjit Borah presses

macro management efforts in Agriculture. The level of development of Nagaland by the help of

composite index based on agricultural indicators has been put forward in “Agricultural

development in Nagaland” by D.S.Dhakre and Amod Sharma.

Objectives of Study

1. To explore the potentiality of North-Eastern India in terms of agriculture and horticulture

which is supported by different data and different developments in agriculture carried out

by the eight states.

2. Different developmental process for agriculture is carried out in different parts of India.

The study is an endeavor to join the concepts and inject it in North-East Indian scenario

which may be helpful in accelerating its already running current developments in

agriculture.

3. The study accumulates certain details, facts and figures along with analysis regarding the

rise-up of the agriculture and horticulture in North-East India. It may be helpful for the

rising and existing entrepreneur(s) in this part of India and also from rest part of India

who are in a continuous drive for new opportunities.

4. While speaking about North-East always a shabby undeveloped and underdeveloped

picture used to encroach one’s mind. This article is a step to delete the long-running

notion and place North-East as destination of future opportunities and development.

Reasons behind selecting North-East

Union Finance Minister Chidambaram in his Budget speech 2013-14 has said- “Bringing the

green revolution to the eastern India has been a remarkable success. Assam, Bihar, Chattisgarh

and West Bengal have increased their contribution to rice production. I propose to continue to

support the eastern Indian States with an allocation of Rs 1000 crore in 2013-14”. The above

said was the reflection of faith towards the agricultural growth in Eastern and North-eastern

states. It’s not only the faith in terms of the Central government but the growth in production of

Agriculture and Agri-based products, dip in insurgencies and acres of unused land are the main

reasons behind selecting this region. To go for elaboration the reasons are as follows:

1.Joined by “Chicken Neck Corridor” North East region remained in isolation and remoteness

for years and that is the main reason acres of land are unused and covered by grassland and thick

dense forest or even fertile land remaining unused without any cultivation. In short potentially

cultivable lands remained unused. Now the time has come to bolt this gap and explore the

potential.

2. North-East India is considered as the land of rivers which is blessed by 27 main rivers

(Brahmputra,Dhansiri,Lohit,Manas,Sankosh are few to be spelt out) 3 main lakes(Kamalasagar,

Loktak,Umium Lake) and 6 waterfalls(Bishop, Kynrem, Langshiang, Nohsngithiang,

Vantawng).Apart from it this region is the highest rain getter in India(B.C.Barah, National

Centre for Agricultural Economics and Policy Research,New Delhi).As water is the main

ingredient for any sorts of agricultural works selection of North-East region aws natural.

3.Leaving North-East India rest of India’s agricultural potential is explored to a great extent and

several Research and Developmental works in agricultural sector are already being carried

out.But as the population of India is in the increasing mode and new lands and avenues to

increase the agricultural production is the need of the hour. “Unexplored and isolated” North-east

can provide the land and Avenue.

4.Main hindrance of this region was insurgency which at the recent time has being tamed to a

great extent(Business World,23rd January 2012).This is not only a positive sign for Agriculture

and Agri-based industries but also for the whole industries in this region.

5.Strategic geographic location of these regions has raise the export potentiality of these region

and boost up the economy of having higher trade relations with Nepal, Bhutan,Bangladesh,

Myanmar, China and other ASEAN countries.

Methodology and pathway followed for the study

The study mainly takes into count several case studies, secondary data and news published in

different national journals. Overall the pathway depicted in words is as follows:

A. To analyze factsheet pertaining the GSDP growth followed by agricultural growth.

B. To discuss different landmarks achieved by the 8 states in the recent years regarding

agriculture and horticulture along with through discussions of different developmental

works/projects carried out.

C. To discuss about different developmental projects carried out by Government of India in

this part of India for development of agriculture and horticulture. It also takes into count

about different schemes announced by Union Government in Union Budget 2013-14.

D. To provide suggestions taken out from different existing different developmental

model/works carried out for agricultural and horticultural growth in different parts of

India/World and molding them in context of North-East India so that it may be applicable

for the same.

A. Different Data and Factsheet interpretation

Datasheet 1

State

GSDP(Cr.)

Per

Capita

Income*@

Growth

rate of

GSDP(%)

Arunachal 5691 37417 7.87

Assam 74215 21406 7.34

Manipur 7184 23298 6.16

Meghalaya 10736 35932 9.39

Mizoram 4557 36732 9.18

Nagaland 8591 40957 3.98

Sikkim 3642 47655 8.94

Tripura 14203 37216 8.74

All India 4885954 35993 8.39

Interpretation

1. Four states namely- Meghalaya(9.39), Mizoram(9.18), Sikkim(8.94) and Tripura(8.74)

are having higher GSDP growth rate compared to the national GDP(8.39).

2. Other two states Arunachal (7.87) and Assam (7.34) is not lagging far behind the

national level (8.39).

3. The Covariance calculation with respect to national average (GDP) gives a value of

22.23% for the North-Eastern states.

Inference

The North-Eastern states GSDP growth rates are not far behind compared to the national

standard and the co-variance figure spells about high stability of these states GSDP with

respect to National GDP, i.e, GSDP growth rate of these states are as per the national

average.

Datasheet 2

Datasheet 1 places about overall growth rate of the North-Eastern states but the question

arises that whether the above(datasheet 1) figure is representative of the agricultural

development taking place in North-Eastern part of India. Datasheet 2 focuses upon this

prospect.

Interpretation –

The North-Eastern states may have some negative figures in terms of Growth Rate of Gross

State Domestic Product in Agriculture Sector from year to year but the final Average from

2004-05 to 2011-12 reveals that none of the states of the North-Eastern states of India have

any negative figure(s).

Datasheet 3

Datasheet 2 is again supported by the Datasheet 3.

Interpretation-

Datasheet 3 may be interpreted in the same line to Datasheet 2 in which for North-Eastern states

may have negative State-wise Growth Rate of Agriculture and Allied Sector from the year 2005-

06 to 2011-12 but final average figures is placing positive figures for all the states.

Cumulative inference of Datasheet 2 and 3

Datasheet 2 and 3 places positive picture of agricultural growth.

B. Different achievements and programmes implemented in North-Eastern states

On the backdrop of figure of success in agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors(as discussed

by the facts and figures in section A) in this section discussion regarding different achievements

achieved by these states under discussion and different agricultural developmental programmes

will be focused.

Arunachal Pradesh

• Mandarin orange is exported to Bangladesh via Assam.

• The surplus crops which have export potential are – Apple, Kiwi, Walnut, Mandarin

Orange, Banana, Pineapple, Ginger, Large Cardamom, Black Pepper.

• Arunachal Pradesh is coming within 12 mega diversity hotspots in the world. Using its

resources its housing about 4,500 species of pteridophytes, 23 species of comfors, 35

species of bamboos and 500 species of orchids and economic plantation of the same is

under.

• The prevalent agricultural practices in Arunachal Pradesh are Jhum Cultivation,

sedentary agriculture, wet cultivation, horticulture and home gardens. Jhum is practiced

the most.

• Arunachal Pradesh has undertaken rubber cultivation on a commercial basis. Emphasis is

given upon rubber-honey which is used as medicines.

• Agroforestry has been started by the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture.

• Agriculture Department of Arunachal Pradesh has collaborated with Assam Agriculture

University to develop new bamboo plantation process.

• A Technology Mission for horticulture has started from 2001-02 onwards.

• The Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh has significantly contributed to institutions like

GramsevakTraining Center of Farmers to grow Wheat, Millets, Rice, Potatoes and

Sugarcane.

• Bamboo Mission 18 has started. Under it planting in non-forested area, centralized

nursery, Kisan Nursery and Mahila Nursery are being taken up

Assam

o Ginger has high export potential in Assam and in 8 districts of Assam Agri Export

zone for ginger is being constituted.

o The surplus exportable crops of Assam are Banana, Pineapple, Orange, Papaya,

AssamLemon,Guava and Jackfruit.

o Floriculture is developing rapidly and flowers like Marigold and Gladiolus are

being exported to foreign nations.

o Agriculture accounts for more than a third of Assam’s income and employs about

69% ofthe total work force.

o Assam’s biggest contribution to the world is Tea. Other than the Chinese variety

tea CamelliaSinesis, Assam is the only region in the world that is having its own

variety of tea CamelliaAssamica

o World Bank supported External Aided Programme named as Assam Rural

Infrastructure andAgriculture Service Project (ARIASP) was launched in 1995-96

and continued till 2008.

o Assam produces about 55% of the country’s total tea production.

o Assam has the highest concentration of bamboo and it has 60% of the total

bamboo in the nation.

o The state contributes 99% and 63% of the total muga and eri silk production in

the country.

o The new industrial policy is helping to grow Agar in the private homesteads and

Agar woodoilof Assam enjoys international brand.

o Different Tea Planters and Tea Association of Assam showcased Assam’s

different varieties of teas at the ASEAN India Car Rally and ready to explore the

new markets in the South East Asian countries. (NareshMitra, TNN, Dec. 17th

2012).

Manipur

*Manipur applies “Zero Tillage Cultivation” technique to get bumper crops in

terms of mustardand pea. .

* Manipur has four varieties of silk namely mulberry, muga, eri and oak tussar.

In 2008-09 it had170 primary sericulture societies.

* Yield of ground nut variety ICGS 76 as oilseed given high priority and its kg/ha

yield crossed national average.

• The surplus exportable crops of Manipur are Pineapple, Orange, Papaya, Passion Fruit,

Chiliand Cabbage.

• High concentration is given on the yield of rapeseed and mustard converting Manipur as

a destination of edible oil production.

• Extensive mushroom cultivation is taken up in Tamang district to boost up the economy.

The Farm Mechanization Unit of state Agriculture Department has introduced Mobile

Mini Rice Mill.

• Lemon Festival “is celebrated in KachaiVillage,Ukhrail District to celebrate

bumper production of lemon.

• Pineapple farmers of Churachandpur ,Imphal East and Thoubal District are growing

about 90 lac pineapple per annum for the last 5 decades.

• With the help of bamboo grown in the state bamboo processing unit has been established

at Churachadpur and Imphal.

• Fresh packaged pineapple and passion fruit , ginger lime and oil, canned mushrooms and

canned dry bamboo shoots are the important products of the agri-industry.

Meghalaya

• The surplus exportable crops of Meghalaya are Pineapple, Orange, Ginger, Turmeric,

Bay leaves Potato and Areca Nut.

• The turmeric found in the region has the highest curcumincontent and is considered the

best in the world.

• Meghalaya is famous for its vegetables in the North East. Cabbage, Cauliflower, Radish,

Tomato,Carrot, Squash are some of the vegetable crops of the state.

• In 2008-09 Meghalaya recorded an annual growth of 12.4% in agricultural income.

• More than 300 varieties of orchids and 834 medicinal plants are grown in the state.

• The state produced 425.3 MT of eri, 13.7 MT of mulberry cocoons and 43.2 MT of

muga in2007-08.

• Decorative plants such as Dahlia, Gladiolus, Begonia, Trappe olum, Aster, Polargonium,

CrinumCelosia, Calendula, Sweet peas and Salvia are grown to a great extent in the state.

• It has the largest acreage (20.8 Th ha) of cultivable land of potatoes after Assam. (2011)

• Meghalaya is the second state after Manipur in the NE Region to launch Intelligent

AdvisorySystem for Farmers. (IASF) by which farmers can link with agricultural experts

through mobile SMS.

• It is one of the largest producer of Ginger in the region.Regional center for training and

production of Mushrooms is established at upper Shillong.

• Horticulture Directorates schemes produce strawberry and rose in RiBhoi and Anthirium

in East Garo Hills.

Mizoram

• Mizoram accounts for 12% of the total fruits production in the entire North East.

• Around 14% of the bamboo stock of the country is available in Mizoram. The state

grows about 23 varieties and 5 with high economic values.

• Anthurium cut flowers are exported to countries such as UAE, UK, Japan and Australia.

• The ranking for agriculture (within small states) was 1st. Thanks to its Newland use

Policy.

• Mizoram produces about 12% of the fruits in North East India.

• The exportable surplus crops are mandarin Orange, Banana, Passion Fruit, Ginger and

Iskut/chow chow.

• Mizo. Govt. Has entered into a new venture where oil palm and jastropha cultivation for

bio fuelsare being cultivated.

• Mulberry, Muga, Eri, Oak-Tussar, are cultivated in Mizoram. 7293 families engaged in

sericulture and there are 17 farms across 4900 hectares (as on March 2008)

• Mizo. Govt. has built up 24,185 rain water harvesting tanks for agricultural support in the

region.

• A Special purpose moving vehicle is being formed with the help of private players for processing turmeric, ginger , chilly and other fruits and horticultural products.

• Mizoram has bamboo forest covering 1254400 hectare with the yield of 3.2 million tones

per year.and 99% surplus of it are exportable.

Nagaland

• The exportable surplus crops are Pineapple and Orange.

• To promote development of horticultural crops nursery cum mushroom development

centerfruit canning factory and a citrus farm is being setup.

• Flowers like Gerbera, Gladiolus are being exported from Nagaland.

• 45 no’s of bamboo charcoal production kilns are present in Nagaland.

• Citronella, Patchouli, Lemongrass, Geranium are some aromatic and medicinal plants

identifiedby the state govt. for commercial cultivation and export.

• Bamboo gasifier unit is setup at Land Resource Research Farm at Razhephama under

Dimapur district.

• Nagaland Agricultural Department is carrying out rubber plantation at Jaluku Valley,

pocketsof Barak river on war footings.

• The most important floricultural projects coming up at Satsuphen, Yisemyong (roses and

Carnations), Kohima (Niathu Garden), Chumukedima, Dimapur. Bamboo roads and

bazaars constructed at various places of Dimapur.

• Bamboo shoot vacuum packaging unit and bamboo primary processing unit for sticks,

slivers and stripes is being set up at Tuli.

• Present thrust area are Spices Development (garlic,black pepper, cardamom,chilly) and

Rubber and Mushroom cultivation with joint collaboration with ICAR and State

Government.

Sikkim

• Surplus exportable crops of Sikkim are Mandarin Orange, Ginger, Turmeric , large

cardamom.

• Sikkim is the largest producer of cardamom in India.

• With setting up of Agri-export zone Sikkim is ready to export above 50 crores of orchids

in next 5 years.

• Sikkim has more than 515 species of exotic orchids(CMI Social Research Centre Data-

2005).

• Sikkim ready to bring Israeli technology for cultivation of tomato and capsicum.

• High yield Variety(HYV) program introduced for major crops like rice, wheat ,maize ,

soyabean and mustard .

• Seed Production Programme(SPP) introduced in Majtar and Jorethang which will enable

farmers to produce their own seeds.

• Under soil Health Management scheme Soli Health Cards will be issued to farmers from

soil testing laboratory of Gangtok.

• State is concentrating to go fully organic by 2015.

• Sikkim has been declared as Agricultural Export Zone where it can sell cardamom,

gingers and flowers to national and international market.

• Sikkim bagged Best Performing States for Horticultural Mission for NE and Himalayan

States,2012(HMNEH).

• Establishment of agency for reporting agricultural statistics.

• RashtriyaKrishiVikasYojna introduced to achieve 4% growth in Agriculture.

• Govt of Sikkim organized 2nd International Flower Show to showcase it’s potential in

terms of flower growing.

• Seed drills introduced in the agricultural system.

Tripura

• Tripura emphasizes on ecosystem based farming and so to apprise the farming

communityof NEH region with “Enhanced livelihood through ecosystem based

sustainable farming”Agri-Fair is organized in Tripura.

• As per 2002 data Tripura was the second largest producer of rubber in the country.

• 266 species of medicinal plants are grown here with 68 species of trees, 71 herbs, 39

shrubs and88 climbers.

• Modern Food Park is being set up near Agartala.

• Rubber-Wood factory was set up in September 2009 in Anandnagar and it is the first in

North-East and second largest in the country.

• India’s 2nd biggest heat resistant rubber thread manufacturing plant was commissioned in

Tripura in 2006.

• Tripura is the 5th largest tea growing state after Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and

Kerala and have 60 estates and 4000 small tea growers.

• Tripura produces 21 among 130 species of bamboo in India. To boost this sector Tripura

Bamboo Mission was established by the State Govt.

• As pineapple produces economic boost a Pineapple Juice Concentration Plant is set up at

Nalkata with a capacity of 5760 TPA.

• Surplus exportable crops are pineapple , jackfruit, orange, lemon , ginger ,turmeric,

chilly,cabbage, cauliflower and cashew nut.

C. Central Government’s effort The union government also did not kept them aside in boosting the agri-developmental

work in this part of India. Some of the noteworthy works carried out in this context are-

o High level Thai delegation along with commerce minister Jairam Ramesh visited

Tripura, Assam and Meghalaya on June 2007 for development of rubber and

food-processing industry.

o Ministry of Agriculture has launched Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National

Bamboo Mission for implementation in 28 states including NE states (2006-07).

o In the 11th 5yr plan recognizing special requirement of the region the NE states

have been categorized as Special Category State.

o Rural Agricultural Development Programme for enhancing livelihoods of the

poor through improved management practices on orange cultivation.

o Export Development Fund (EDF) has been set up for development of exports

from the region.

o Agricultural and Processed Food Industry a nodal agency of the EDF has been set

up.

o Rubber, Spice and Tea Board, Coffee Board, Agricultural and Processed Food

Products Export Development Authority has been set up.

Apart from the above efforts following provisions are kept in the National Budget

2013-14 to provide a lift up to the agricultural economy of North-Eastern Region.

• Finance Minister P.Chidambaram proposed link between North-East India to

Myanmar andseeks assistance of World Bank and Asian Development Bank to

build roads in betweenNorth-Eastern Region and Myanmar.

• Finance Minister in his budget 2013-14 has announced joining Lakhipur-Bhanga

stretch of river Barak in Assam which will soon be declared as 6th national

Waterway.

• To continue with the trend of bringing Green Revolution in the Eastern States

Rs.1000 Cr. is allocated in Union Budget to boost up rice production in Assam,

Bihar, Chattisgarh and West Bengal.

• Eastern States for Green Revolution like Assam to get 500 Cr. for crop-

diversification.

D. Suggestions

Total study focuses upon the developmental aspects in terms of agriculture and

horticulture that is being carried out by different states of North-East Indian states. So

the time has come to add up some extra value to this effort by providing some

suggestive models to accelerate the total process. At one hand it will provide mileage

for the proposed 2nd Green Revolution by Central Agricultural Ministry and at the other

hand will help to change the agri-economic scenario of this part of India.

* Concentrating more on exotic vegetables farming like broccoli, lettuce, Chinese

cabbage, Red Cabbage, Cherry tomatoes and Brussels sprouts may be some of the

options in this case. East Indian state West Bengal is growing these exotic vegetables

for years and the result is quite impressive. South Bengal districts has produced 40

metric tonnes of such vegetables last year(Times of India,Kolkata). These vegetables

have high potentiality of being supplied to different five-star hotels, restaurants, catering

services, super markets and local markets. As North-East India’s climatic condition and

soil conditions resembles lot with that of West Bengal it would be a good option of

starting farming of exotic vegetables or if started than push it into high volumes in these

region.

* Emphasizing more on contract farming and contracting with companies for better

yield. As cited in Times of India,6th January 2012 it could take the following form

where- the farmer will give his land and labor and the company will provide seeds and

technology support. Apart from that the company officials will also provide supervision

to help the farmers time to time. After the yield company will take the crops in their

storage. Main advantage of it will be that the farmers will get initial procurement price

with no middleman interfering the process. The farmers will also be helped by crop

insurance, seeds and loans(if needed).

* Banking on cracking genetic code to increase yield and to make plants disease free.

Central Government has taken only five crops namely mango, banana, jute, desi cotton

and brinjal and five years’ time for completion of the project. But for the long-run

betterment of agriculture more crops should be taken into count.(Times of

India,12.11.2011).

* Using biomass for crops and also burning biomass to supply power to run the

generators in the fields.(Times of India,17.12.2012).

* Development of Rural Economic Zone. It is broadly defined as a comprehensive and

bankable group of infrastructure investments, area based and customized on the basis of

consultations with the community and the government.(Times of India, Kolkata, June 6

2012)It could have equity support from financial institutions, infrastructural agencies,

other service providers and governments.

• Using more and more liquid bio-fertilizers which is not fatal for the health of the

farmers and also good for the crops. (25.01.2013,Times of India).

• Apart from the above said North-east India should use her geographical location

and current international happenings to increase cross-border business and

subsequently boost its economy. In words these happenings are-

a. India’s Look East policy(introduced by Indian Prime Minister

P.V.NarasimhaRao in 1990) with a view to seek greatengagement with East

and South-East Asian countries.

b. Indian and Asean countries signing Trade and Goods Agreement on 13th

August 2009.

c. Administrative shift in Myanmar followed by Aung San SuuKyi’s favor

towards India.

d. Bangladesh’s offer to access Chittagong port and opening of Changrabandha

border.

e. Planned road between India and Thailand by 2016.

Conclusion

Facts and figures presented till now is pronouncing it loudly that North-East India is in a

growth track whether it’s the case of overall development or whether it’s the case of agricultural

development. Different states in this region have taken certain initiatives to push up the fact. Big

corporates, entrepreneurs and different multinational companies are also showing their interests.

In words of R.Mukundan , Managing Director,TataChem-“It is a water surplus region and as

India goes through higher and higher level of water crisis,the North-East will become a space of

increased productivity in all types of cash crops.”(13.08.2012, Business world).High dips in

insurgencies have provided special opportunities. So its high time for further planning and work

more hard for acceleration of agricultural development instead of maintaining constant speed for

agricultural development. One example of urgency already came up from Guwahati Metropolitan

Development Authority (GMDA) who is in the monitoring and revisioning the Master Plan

2025(22.04.2012, Assam Tribune). Now the question arises that why same sort of urgency will

not be shown by different units attached with Agricultural system of North-East India so that the

plan for Second Green Revolution (as said by Union Finance Minister P.Chidambaram in 2013-

14 Union Budget speech) which is urgent need for feeding the growing population of India

becomes reality at a fast pace?

References

1. Indian Brand Equity Foundation Report on Arunachal Pradesh(November 2010)

2. Narayan Chitra, Ready to take off, Business World,13.08.2012

3. BarahB.C, North-eastern India: Strategies for Agricultural development-An overview.

4. Agriculture and Processed Food Products Exports Development Authority, New Delhi,

Export potential of horticultural products from North-Eastern states.

5. Borah Ranjeet, Impact of Macro Management of agriculture scheme-A study in Assam.

6. Borah Kaberi,Tea cultivation on small holding :a news business opportunity for the

indigenous.

7. Department of Agriculture Meghalaya, Meghalaya Agriculture profile,2006

8. RetnaDhasNadarJeeva Solomon, Christopher LalooRoytre, Mishra

BhanuPrakash,Traditional agricultural practices in Meghalaya,North East India, Journal

of Traditional Knowledge,January 2006,pp 7-18.

9. Directorate of Economics & Statistics Planning (Statistics) Department, Govt of

Tripura,Economic Review of Tripura 2010-11.

10. Dhakre DS and Sharma Amod, Agriculture Development in Nagaland.

11. Karmakar KG and Banerjee GD,Agricultural boom in Nagaland.

12. Websites visited:

• http://business.mapsofindia.com

• http://economictimes.indiatimes.com

• http://www.indiainfoline.com

• http://planningcommission.gov.in

• http://sikkimagrisnet.org

• http://assamagribusiness.nic.in

• http://www.cau.org.in

• http://www.asthabharati.org

• http://manipuronline.com

• http://www.northeasttoday.in

• www.ibef.org

• http://db.nedfi.com/content/north-east-india

• http://zeenews.india.com/news/north-east

• http://mizoram.nic.in/dept/planning/

• http://agriculturemizoram.nic.in

• http://www.advanceagriculturalpractice.in

• http://tradeandcommerce.mizoram.gov.in

• http://www.planningtripura.nic.in

• http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/agriculture

• http://www.internationalflowershowsikkim.com/

• http://smilingsikkim.org

• http://megsird.nic.in

• https://meghalaya.gov.in

• http://www.slideshare.net

• www.tripurainfo.in

13. Newspaper consulted-

• Times of India

14. E-papers consulted

• The Hindu

• The Assam Tribune

• The Arunachal Times

• The Morung Express

• The Sangai Express

• The Shillong Times

• Sikkim Express

15. Magazines consulted

• Business World

• India’s North East-paradise unexplored

• AsthaBharati

• Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Research Newsletter