Sustainable Agriculture in Assam: Issues and Solutions

Abstract

Agriculture occupies a central position in the socio-economic life of Assam. A large proportion of the state's rural population depends directly or indirectly on crop cultivation, horticulture, livestock, fisheries and plantation agriculture for income and employment. Assam possesses considerable agricultural potential because of its fertile alluvial soils, abundant rainfall, extensive river systems, diverse agro-climatic conditions and rich biological resources. Rice is the dominant food crop, while mustard, pulses, vegetables, fruits, tea and other commercial crops contribute to agricultural diversification. However, the sustainability of agriculture in Assam is increasingly threatened by climate variability, recurrent floods, waterlogging, soil degradation, limited irrigation, fragmented landholdings, inadequate mechanization, weak post-harvest infrastructure and unstable market conditions. Climate change presents a particularly important challenge. Recent empirical research using data from 2000 to 2022 found statistically significant relationships between temperature, rainfall and the productivity of rice, tea and mustard in Assam. The study estimated that a 1°C increase in temperature was associated with declines in yields of these crops, while excessive rainfall beyond crop-specific thresholds reduced productivity, particularly in rice because of waterlogging.