Is Growth in Agriculture Propelled by its Allied Sectors in North-East India?

Activities like livestock farming, fisheries, forestry and sericulture of sectors allied to agriculture have traditionally been integral part of culture, habit and livelihood of the people in the North–East Region (NER) of India. This paper has examined whether growth in agriculture is propelled by the growth of its allied sectors by collecting state-wise data for the period 2004–05 to 2010–11 on the value of output, livestock and landholdings from published sources. The study has found that activities of allied sector have been an important part of the predominantly agrarian economy of NER. While facilities to introduce genetic improvement and its wide spread adoption have been found crucial for livestock and poultry development, the fresh water prawn, either as monoculture or polyculture, with compatible species of carp, could transform the inland fishery scenario in the states of Assam and Tripura. The forest resources have been found to offer livelihood by way of firewood, raw materials like bamboo and cane for selfemployment and minor forest produce like honey for cash income for a large section of forest-dependent population. The sericulture practised by the indigenous population, can be transformed into a major sector for investment, employment and income generation in the region. The study has concluded that the development of the allied sectors that conform to the local preference and habits in the NER, would serve as prelude to investments in the settled agriculture.