Horticultural (high value agricultural) crops diversification in eastern India: I – Geographical-agro-socio-ecological and economical aspects and constraints analysis

The Eastern region of India possesses a distinct identity, not only because of its geography, history and culture but also because of the great diversity in its natural ecosystems. This region has the highest poverty and high population density. The complex ecological situation of rain- fed eco-system is one of prime reasons for low productivity. The eastern region has a rich resource base for intensive and diversified agriculture. Employment in agricultural sector is limited and a large proportion of the population still remains below the poverty line and suffers from malnutrition. Agricultural diversification is an important instrument for employment generation, income enhancement, poverty reduction and economic growth. The share of horticultural crops (particularly vegetable crops) is higher in the eastern states as compared to national level, except Chhattisgarh. In this region, maximum diversification of crop was towards oilseeds, jute and sugarcane. The speed of agricultural diversification has not been found as fast as that of demand for high-value food commodities. Since horticulture provides higher return per unit of land and generates higher employment, development of horticulture also helps in alleviating the economic conditions of people below the poverty line whose number is large in the Eastern region. The productivity of many of the horticultural crops in this region is below the National level. The degrading eco-systems, poor natural resource management, poor soil and water management, high level of post harvest losses, pollinator declines and inadequate marketing and credit facilities etc. are responsible for the low productivity. Soil salinity/acidity, lowest per capita income, ever-increasing human population and poor infrastructure facilities for storage, processing and marketing etc., are some other factors responsible for poor agricultural growth to a great extent. Eastern region characterized as ‘low-yielding and slow-growth’ but having high potential areas needs introduction of improved technologies or diversification towards such commodities as could tap the potential of available resources such as labour and water. This weakness of the region can be converted into opportunity, and productivity and production levels can be increased significantly to enhance the total production at national level to meet the ever-growing demand for horticulture produce. The geographicalagro-socio-ecological and economical aspects and constraints analysis along with prospects with respect to increase income and employment generation through high value agricultural crops diversification in the eastern India have been reviewed in the present paper.