Shift from Subsistence Orientation-Key to Double Farmers’ Income in Assam

This paper has analysed the agriculture and the allied sector in Assam and factors contributing to the production and productivity of this sector in the context of doubling farmers’ income. The yield level of most of the crops including the main crop of paddy is less than all-India average. Most of the rice-grown areas are mono-cropped, although the agro-climatic and soil moisture conditions suit for a second or even third crop. Low level of yield can be tackled with technology diffusion and shift towards double cropping practices, expanding irrigation facilities, better input management, soil management, etc. Diversification towards high-value produce will fetch better margin for farmers. Cost minimization through optimum input-usage and higher level of farm mechanization will further add to increasing farm income. The number of livestock owning households in Assam are much higher than the national average. However, value of output from livestock is less than all-India average. Allied sector productivity can be increased through genetic improvement, artificial insemination, extension services, etc. Doubling of farmers’ income in Assam can be achieved through transforming the present low-input lowoutput subsistence agriculture into market-oriented agricultural system.