Agriculture in the North Eastern Regions of India
Overview
The North Eastern Region (NER) of India, comprising eight states—Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim—is predominantly agrarian. Agriculture serves as the primary livelihood for over 70% of the population. The region is characterized by diverse Agro-climatic zones, abundant rainfall, and unique farming practices tailored to its hilly terrain and ecological conditions.
Key Agricultural Practices
Rice Cultivation: –
Rice cultivation is the process of growing rice, one of the world’s most important staple crops, primarily practiced in Asia—where it serves as a vital food source for about half of the global population—but also found in parts of Africa, the Americas, and Europe, requiring specific climatic, soil, and water conditions to ensure optimal growth and yield
Horticulture: :-
Agriculture that involves the intensive cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants, typically on smaller plots of land, and plays a crucial role in enhancing food security, nutrition, and income—especially in rural areas—with India being one of the leading producers of crops like mangoes, bananas, onions, and tomatoes.
Jhum Cultivation (Shifting Cultivation):-
Jhum cultivation is a traditional, labor-intensive method of agriculture practiced mainly in the hilly and tropical forest regions of Northeast India, where farmers clear a patch of forest by burning vegetation, cultivate it for a few years, and then leave it fallow to allow natural regeneration; while it supports subsistence farming, it is often criticized for contributing to deforestation and soil degradation if not managed sustainably.
Tea Production:-
India, the second-largest producer of tea globally, has major tea-growing regions such as Assam, Darjeeling in West Bengal, and Nilgiri in Tamil Nadu; tea production, which requires high humidity, well-drained soil, and consistent rainfall, is a significant agricultural industry that supports millions of workers and serves as a key export commodity
Other Crops:-
Wheat – Grown in cooler northern regions like Punjab and Uttar
Pradesh.
Maize – Used as food, fodder, and for industrial products.
Sugarcane – Major cash crop in states like Maharashtra and Uttar
Pradesh.
Pulses – India is the largest producer
and consumer.
Cotton & Jute – Important for the textile industry.
Livestock:-
Livestock farming is a critical part of India’s agriculture, contributing to food security and rural livelihoods. Key livestock includes:
-
Dairy cattle for milk production (India is the largest producer globally).
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Poultry for eggs and meat.
-
Sheep and goats for wool and meat.
-
Buffaloes for draught power and milk.
Strengths
Favorable climatic conditions enable cultivation of a wide variety of crops such as rice, millets, vegetables, and fruits.
Indigenous techniques like Bamboo Drip Irrigation and Bench Terrace Irrigation align with sustainable practices.
Challenges:
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- Limited irrigation facilities (only 10% of cropped area irrigated).
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- Small landholdings and dependency on rain-fed agriculture.
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- Lack of modern technologies and organized markets.
Opportunities:
Proximity to international borders offers potential for exporting organic products.
Government initiatives like the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm aim to boost agri-business in the region.
*** The North Eastern Agricultural practices collectively sustain India’s economy while supporting millions of farmers across diverse terrains.
