Prospects and Strategies for Accelerating Sustainable Agricultural Growth in Assam: Policy Issues and Challenges: A Review

Sustainable agriculture is the key to keep up the level of production in the future. The state’s agriculture has reached the highest production levels possible under the available technologies, it is still insufficient to feed the over increasing population. Sustainability in agricultural production and the natural resource base is under threat, as warnings have been sounded on over exploitation of land and water resources and degradation of land and environment ecology. This paper is highlighted to find out the strategies for sustainable agricultural development to fulfil the need of upcoming population. It is observed that agricultural growth in Assam is not cheering as compared to other states of the country. The study is based on secondary data collected from various issues published by Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of India, Agricultural Census of India and Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Assam. Simple statistical tools like tabular analysis, percentages, averages and ratios were used to interpret data. There is an urgent need to diversify agriculture in Assam, emphasising integrated farm practices, implementation of sustainable practices, organic farming, green manuring, crop rotation and eco-friendly techniques etc. Only policy framework cannot fulfil a greater goal, but it is important to point out that reaching towards the goal of sustainable agricultural development is the responsibility of all participants in the system including farmers, labourers, policy makers, researchers, retailers and consumers.