Agriculture

The economy of the North Eastern states is mainly rural and agrarian. The region offers scope for cultivation of a wide variety of agricultural crops because of its diversities in topography, altitude and climatic conditions. These products are sold mainly in the local markets, and mostly in the form of primary produce without significant value-addition.

The pattern of agricultural growth has remained uneven across regions and crops. The NER continues to be a net importer of food grains even for its own consumption. In spite of covering 7.9% of the country’s total geographical area, NER produces only 1.5 % of the country’s total food grain production . Agriculture provides livelihood support to 70 % of the population of NER .

Foodgrain Production in NER, 2006-07

('000 tonne) 

@ 500 tonnes and less.

Source: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture

The extent of cultivable land in the NE region varies from state to state. Land is a critical resource in many of the NE State, and availability and management of land for agricultural activities are essential for raising the the region's overall agricultural production and productivity.

Geographical Land to Man Ratio (Hectares/Person) [2001 Census]

The region’s agricultural system is predominantly traditional. The overall geographical land-to-man ratio for the NE region (0.67 Hectares/Person) is much higher than the National average (0.32 Hectares/Person). Among the NE State the geographical land-to-man ratio is highest in Arunachal Pradesh (7.63 Hectares/Person) and lowest in Assam (0.29 Hectares/Person).