Constraints and opportunities of crop diversification in Assam

Out of the net sown area of 2.83 m lakh ha in Assam, area sown more than once is around 1.24 m ha so cropping intensity stands around 148%. Total flood prone area of the State is 3,41,00 ha out of which 2,50,000 ha is chronically flood prone and 91,000 ha is occasionally flood prone area. Around 4.9 m ha of land which accounts for 62.6% of total geographical area are moderately and slightly acidic in reaction. Average consumption of NPK fertilizers is 51.83 kg/ha which was far below the national average; the crop removal found to be higher than that of added. The period December to February in the state showing very low moisture availability demanding artificial irrigation for better production of different crops. In Assam more than 83% farmers are having either marginal or small holding size. Inclusion of vegetable crops in the system provides better return; pulses and oilseeds may be included in the system under less moisture available condition, fodder crop may be included in the system to meet up the livestock requirement. If irrigated area is expanded and marketing infrastructure develops, then there is tremendous possibility for crop diversification with high profitability in the state. The paper presents the research work carried out by senior author on crop diversification in Assam.