Assam- Horticulture

Assam’s economy since long is been mainly based on agriculture. 75 percent of the Population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture which accommodates 53 percent of the total workforce of the state. The contribution of the agriculture sector to the state economy i.e. GSDP at current prices during 2012-13 as per provisional estimates was 19.3 percent. It is also contributes indirectly to the state economy as important sources of raw materials and demand for many industrial products particularly fertilizer, pesticides, agricultural implements and a variety of consumer goods based on agriculture.

Horticulture-2/”>Horticulture crops occupy about 15 percent of the gross cultivated area of Assam. It is basically the science of cultivating gardens or orchards i.e. it refers to the process of cultivating fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamental Plants which in turn increases the area and productivity of farming lands, bringing technological aspect in agriculture, raising the farmers’ income and their standard of living and provide source of EMPLOYMENT opportunities.

The state of Assam is traditionally wealthy in respect of production of various horticultural crops due to its conducive agro climatic conditions. The state with diverse Soil and weather conditions provide good scope to grow a large variety of fruits and vegetables and it is one of the richest reservoir’s of genetic variability a number of crops like Citrus, Guava, Mango, Rice and Maize etc. and the world citrus belt encompasses Assam within it.

Vegetables

Among the eight crops under vegetables the coverage of area under cultivation of cabbage has been found the highest followed by cauliflower, tomato and brinjal. During the years from 2003-04 to 2012-13 the production of vegetable crop has increased substantially. The soil and Climatic conditions of the state are suitable for production of various vegetables but due to improper storage facilities it results in post-harvest losses.

FRUITS

In respect of fruits it is observed that during 2003-04, the highest area was covered by Banana followed by Jackfruits, Pineapple, Lemon and Orange while Litchi, Guava and Mango covered less area. During 2012-13 the areas of fruits has substantially increased in respect of Banana followed by Jackfruit, Orange, Pineapple and Lemon where as Litchi, Mango and Guava still covered the lowest areas.

Spices and Tubers

The soil and Climate of the State is conducive for the production of turmeric, ginger, black pepper, cashew nut and coconut. The State has one of the highest yields in the country of ginger and turmeric and yet whatever Growth has taken place in the sector has been largely because of private initiative rather than because of any defined Government policy. Similarly for cashew nut there is great potential of production in Goalpara and Dhubri districts but this potential has been harnessed by private enterprise rather than government effort.

It should be emphasized that Horticulture and Food Processing is one area where the State has the maximum potential for growth and this is the area where profit maximization for the farmers can occur and the sector also has tremendous potential as an avenue of employment generation as well as for the industrialization of the State. However, the full potential of the State has not been utilized because of lack of focus and government support.

In order to improve the quality and yield of these crops thereby increasing the income per unit area following multi pronged approach is needed

Increase in use of Tissue Culture for planting materials by encouraging private enterprise in the area.
Introduction and field application of latest technology through national and international collaboration and through research and extension.
Grow a particular crop in compact belt with a view to assist the growth of Agro processing Industry for that crop in that region.
Balanced development of all subsectors of the Horticulture Industry, viz. post harvest handling, post harvest quality control and Marketing. There is need of creating storage facilities at the farms.
Small processing and Agri processing units to reduce wastage and generate employment.
Increase in cultivation and exploration of Medicinal And Aromatic Plants.

Department of Horticulture

Department of Horticulture set up with following objects

Promote, finance and support producer owned and controlled organizations.
Facilitate Transformation of traditional farming system into a commercial and technology based sustainable enterprise to maximize farmer’s farm income.
Facilitate the promotion , consolidation and sustainability of farming business by facilitating quality Services viz. knowledge technology, credit, inputs, marketing and value addition under business PARTNERSHIP model.
Facilitate the growth of Agribusiness in the state for Farmers, Social, Corporate and Environmental Good.
Facilitate the generation of increase donfarm and offfarm employment.

Assam is a state in north-eastern India. It is the largest state in India by area and the third most populous state. Assam is known for its tea plantations, which are the largest in India. The state also produces a variety of other crops, including rice, jute, and oilseeds.

Horticulture is an important part of the economy of Assam. The state produces a variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and spices. The main fruits grown in Assam are apples, bananas, citrus fruits, mangoes, pineapples, and strawberries. The main vegetables grown in Assam are cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, chillies, potatoes, and tomatoes. The main flowers grown in Assam are jasmine, marigolds, roses, orchids, and lilies. The main spices grown in Assam are ginger, garlic, turmeric, chillies, coriander, and cumin.

Assam has a long history of horticulture. The state was once home to a number of royal gardens, which were used to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The British also introduced a number of new crops to Assam, including tea, coffee, rubber, jute, and bamboo.

Horticulture is a major source of employment in Assam. The state has a large number of small and medium-sized farms, which are involved in the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and spices. The state also has a number of large-scale plantations, which are involved in the cultivation of tea, coffee, rubber, jute, and bamboo.

Horticulture is an important contributor to the economy of Assam. The state exports a variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and spices. The state also earns a significant amount of revenue from the tourism industry, which is attracted by the state’s natural beauty and its rich cultural heritage.

The future of horticulture in Assam is bright. The state has a number of advantages, including a favorable climate, fertile land, and a skilled workforce. The State Government is also taking a number of initiatives to promote horticulture, including providing subsidies to farmers, setting up research and development centers, and organizing training programs.

Assam is a state with a rich history and culture. The state is also home to a number of natural Resources. Horticulture is an important part of the economy of Assam. The state produces a variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and spices. The future of horticulture in Assam is bright. The state has a number of advantages, including a favorable climate, fertile land, and a skilled workforce. The state government is also taking a number of initiatives to promote horticulture.

What is horticulture?

Horticulture is the science and art of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental plants. It includes the cultivation of plants for food, fiber, and fuel, as well as for aesthetic purposes.

What are the different types of horticulture?

There are many different types of horticulture, including:

Fruit and vegetable production: This type of horticulture involves growing fruits and vegetables for human consumption.
Ornamental horticulture: This type of horticulture involves growing flowers, shrubs, and trees for aesthetic purposes.
Landscape horticulture: This type of horticulture involves designing and maintaining landscapes, including gardens, parks, and other outdoor spaces.
Nursery management: This type of horticulture involves growing and selling plants, including seedlings, cuttings, and bulbs.
Floriculture: This type of horticulture involves growing and selling flowers.
Olericulture: This type of horticulture involves growing and selling vegetables.
Pomology: This type of horticulture involves growing and selling fruits.
Sericulture: This type of horticulture involves raising silkworms and producing silk.
Apiculture: This type of horticulture involves raising honey bees and producing honey.

What are the benefits of horticulture?

There are many benefits to horticulture, including:

It provides food and fiber for humans. Horticulture is essential for providing food and fiber for the world’s population. Fruits, vegetables, and grains are all grown through horticulture, and these crops provide essential nutrients for human Health.
It creates jobs. The horticulture industry employs millions of people around the world. These jobs include farmers, nursery workers, landscapers, and florists.
It improves the Environment. Horticulture can help to improve the environment by reducing pollution, conserving water, and providing habitat for wildlife.
It is a source of recreation. Many people enjoy gardening, landscaping, and other forms of horticulture as a hobby.
It can be a Source Of Income. Some people make a living through horticulture, either by selling their produce or by providing landscaping or other services.

What are the challenges of horticulture?

There are also some challenges associated with horticulture, including:

Climate Change: Climate change is a major threat to horticulture, as it can lead to changes in temperature, Precipitation, and pests. These changes can make it difficult to grow crops and can damage plants.
Pests and diseases: Pests and diseases can also be a major challenge to horticulture. These pests can damage plants and crops, and they can also spread diseases.
Water scarcity: Water scarcity is a major challenge in many parts of the world, and it can make it difficult to grow crops.
Soil degradation: Soil degradation is another major challenge in many parts of the world. This can be caused by erosion, Salinization, and other factors. Soil degradation can make it difficult to grow crops.
Labor shortages: There is a shortage of skilled labor in the horticulture industry in many parts of the world. This can make it difficult to find workers to harvest crops and provide other services.

What is the future of horticulture?

The future of horticulture is bright. The global population is expected to grow to 9 billion by 2050, and this will increase the demand for food and fiber. Horticulture will play a key role in meeting this demand.

In addition, climate change is expected to make it more difficult to grow crops in some parts of the world. Horticulture will need to adapt to these changes in order to continue to provide food and fiber for the world’s population.

New technologies, such as vertical farming and hydroponics, are also being developed that could revolutionize the horticulture industry. These technologies could make it possible to grow crops in areas where it is currently not possible, and they could also help to reduce the use of water and pesticides.

The future of horticulture is exciting, and it is sure to play a major role in meeting the challenges of the 21st century.

Assam is the largest producer of which of the following fruits?
(A) Pineapple
(B) Orange
(C) Mango
(D) Banana
Assam is the second largest producer of which of the following crops?
(A) Tea
(B) Jute
(C) Rice
(D) Wheat
Assam is home to which of the following national parks?
(A) Kaziranga National Park
(B) Manas National Park
(C) Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
(D) All of the above
Assam is home to which of the following tribes?
(A) Bodo
(B) Karbi
(C) Mishing
(D) All of the above
Assam is known for its which of the following festivals?
(A) Bihu
(B) Rongali Bihu
(C) Bohag Bihu
(D) All of the above
Assam is home to which of the following rivers?
(A) Brahmaputra
(B) Barak
(C) Manas
(D) All of the above
Assam is known for its which of the following cuisines?
(A) Axom cuisine
(B) Bengali cuisine
(C) North Indian cuisine
(D) All of the above
Assam is home to which of the following universities?
(A) Gauhati University
(B) Dibrugarh University
(C) Tezpur University
(D) All of the above
Assam is known for its which of the following Sports?
(A) Football
(B) Hockey
(C) Cricket
(D) All of the above
Assam is home to which of the following Airports?
(A) Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
(B) Silchar Airport
(C) Dibrugarh Airport
(D) All of the above