Rural economy of Mizoram vis-à-vis NEH region of India: Value of output, livelihoods, capital expenditure, assets, indebtedness, and farmers' situation

Different aspects of rural economy (namely value of output, livelihoods, capital expenditure, assets and indebtedness, and farmers' situation) of Mizoram vis-à-vis NEH region of India have been examined. The study has used secondary data derived from sources such as reports of National Sample Survey and National Accounts Statistics (Central Statistical Organisation), Government of India. Either deceleration in the rate of growth or negative growth in value of output from almost all the constituents of agriculture and livestock sector in the state of Mizoram has been observed over the period. The average income of self-employed in agriculture households, fixed capital expenditure on land and farm business, average value of assets owned by rural cultivator households, the depth and width of rural credit, the preferences for farming, and awareness levels about the technical and institutional developments have been found very low in Mizoram as compared to the NEH region as well as India.

The study has concluded that to have sustainable livelihood-security and improve the standard of living, the farm families need to generate additional income in a sustainable manner from the available farm resources. There is a need to formulate area-specific alternative optimal farm plans. Promotion of the livestock-based integrated farming system and the efficient and effective self-help groups can be the key initiatives to make farming a profitable and less risky venture, thus, sustaining rural livelihoods and reducing regional inequalities in the area.