CHAPTER-4 AGRO & ALLIED 4.1 Agriculture Agriculture and its allied activities play a vital role in the socio-economic development of the State. The agriculture sector of Assam provides employment to the tune of 50% of population. The net cultivated area of the State is about 28.11 lakh hect ( 2009-10) which is about 88% of the total land available for agriculture purpose. The contribution of this sector to SDP was nearly 25 % during 2010-11. The area covered under paddy cultivation was 25.71 lakh hect and more than 91% of cultivable land is under production of food grains. Trend of production of food grains are shown below: Table:4.1 Trend of Production of Food grains in Assam ( 000’ tones) Item/s 2006-07 2007-08 2008- 09 2009- 10 2010-11 Total Rice 2916 3319 4009 4409 5033 Wheat 67 71 55 65 56 Total pulses 59 61 62 66 72 Total food grains 3060 3468 4142 4557 5178 Total oil seeds ( excl coconut) 129 135 137 143 155 Source: Economic survey of Assam ,2011-12 4.1.1 Proposed for 12 th Plan period: In view of growing demand of food and attainment of food & nutrition security, sustainable crop diversification is necessary. It is proposed to increase Assam’s food grain demand from 51.78 lakh MT to 80.25 lakh MT in 2016-17. Target for 12 th Plan period is given at Annexure-4.1. 4.1.2 Consumption of Chemical fertilizers: 14
Transcript
CHAPTER-4
AGRO & ALLIED
4.1 Agriculture
Agriculture and its allied activities play a vital role in the socio-economic development of the
State. The agriculture sector of Assam provides employment to the tune of 50% of population. The net
cultivated area of the State is about 28.11 lakh hect ( 2009-10) which is about 88% of the total land
available for agriculture purpose. The contribution of this sector to SDP was nearly 25 % during 2010-11.
The area covered under paddy cultivation was 25.71 lakh hect and more than 91% of cultivable land is
under production of food grains. Trend of production of food grains are shown below:
Table:4.1Trend of Production of Food grains in Assam
4.1.1 Proposed for 12th Plan period:In view of growing demand of food and attainment of food & nutrition security, sustainable crop
diversification is necessary. It is proposed to increase Assam’s food grain demand from 51.78 lakh MT to
80.25 lakh MT in 2016-17. Target for 12th Plan period is given at Annexure-4.1.
4.1.2 Consumption of Chemical fertilizers:
The consumption in terms of nutrient (NPK) per hect is much lower than the National average.
The consumption of fertilizers in the State was 67.09 kg/hect during 2010-11 against the all India average
of 167.76 kg/hect. Season-wise consumption of Fertilizers are shown below:
Table: 4.2Season-wise Consumption of Fertilizers
(fig in ‘000 MT)Year Season/s Consumption in terms of materials Consumption in terms of Nutrient
Urea SSP MOP DAP Total N P K Total2009-10 Kharif 111.73 51.07 44.53 26.26 233.59 56.12 20.78 26.72 103.62
Ravi 139.58 59.38 65.91 38.47 303.34 68.75 28.58 39.54 136.872010-11 Kharif 116.24 52.54 45.67 18.35 232.81 NA NA NA 6.45
Ravi 136.84 52.48 62.90 41.50 293.71 NA NA NA 5.62Source: Economic Survey of Assam, 2011-12
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4.1.3 Consumption of Bio-Fertilizers:The trend in uses of Bio-fertilizers in the State has increased significantly. Consumption of Bio-
fertilizer in the state is shown below:
Table:4.3Consumption of Bio-Fertilizers
Item/s 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11Bio-Fertiliser (MT) 178 227 175Organic Manure ( including FYM) (lakh MT) NA 1.92 2.80Sources: Economic Survey of Assam , 2011-124.1.4 Organic farming:Organic farming is also now seen in different places of Assam for cultivation of Joha rice,
Pineapple, Ginger , Turmeric, Oranges etc. Area under organic farming is given below:
Note: *Average yield in nuts per bearing tree production in ‘000 nuts, ** average yield in nuts per bearing tree production in tones in terms of dry cured nuts.Sources: Economic Survey of Assam , 2011-12 4.3 Banana:
Assam produced around 724 thousand MT of Banana every year. Due to lack of processing
industries, most of the Banana is exported to other parts of the country.
(A) Banana in Darrangagiri Hub of Goalpara district:
Darrangagiri is a small trading post on NH- 37, 100 km west of Guwahati under Koshdhuwa
Tribal Development Block of Goalpara district of Assam. It is also connected by railway. The place is
situated on the foothills of East-Garo Hills. The northern part of Darrangagiri is valley whereas the
southern part is surrounded by slopes and hilly areas. The slopes are gentle but uneven, especially
towards the Meghalaya part, and certain south bank tributaries of river Brahmaputra like Dudhnoi,
Krishnai, Tulsi, etc. flow from these hill tracks. In summer, the temperature of the area goes upto 27-30
degree centigrade and it receives an average annual rainfall of 2167 mm. The soil quality of the area
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varies from normal to slightly alkaline. These features along with the existence of the hilly slopes make
the place conducive for banana cultivation.
The place, Darrangagiri, has been traditionally a market hub of this area. Now it is also being
referred as the largest banana market in Asia. Majority of produce of the banana marketed through the
Darrangagiri market comes from the foothills of East Garo Hills district of Meghalaya and the periphery
villages of the market and other surrounding districts of Goalpara.
The annual banana ‘export’ is about 20,00,000 bunches. The maximum produces are ‘exported’
to the states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal and a small portion are also said to be exported to
neighbouring country Nepal.
The banana in Darrangagiri market mainly comes from neighbouring villages, especially, from
the villages of East Garo Hills, Meghalaya. The villages under Kharkuta Development Block of East Garo
Hills, Koshdhuwa and Rangjuli Development Blocks of Goalpara district account for more than 90
percent of the bananas marketed through Darrangagiri.
The profiles of the community in Darrangagiri area are mostly Bodo, Rabha, Kachari, Bengali,
Assamese, whereas the Garos are the main community in East Garo Hills district with Christianity as the
religion. The communities in and around Darrangagiri areas are mainly occupied with agro-based
activities like paddy cultivation, horticulture produces and to some extent certain traditional non-farm
home based activities like weaving, craft, etc.
Table:4.7Varieties of Banana in Darrangagiri Market
Banana plant is usually referred to as a tree but is actually a giant herb, whose trunk or stem is
composed of overlapping leaf bases which sheath it. Each stem fruits only once, being replaced by new
suckers which in turn flower, fruit and die. It is a tropical plant which grows in sheltered position. They
are identified by large paddle shaped leaves with a thick midrib. Due to its length and the character to
eventually droop, the edges of the leaves tend to fray.
Banana is mainly cultivated for its seedless fruit, which can be eaten raw as well as ripe. The
flowers of the plant are also edible. The young plant along with the leaves have an auspicious value in the
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Indian culture. Banana leaf has a special utility in the southern part of India, where it is used as a plate for
eating.
From Banana, two kinds of fibres can be used:
1. Banana bark fibre (the layers of the banana stem)
2. Banana pith fibre (the fibre extracted from the bark)
Assam has a large resource of natural fibres such as Jute, Banana, Birina (Khus), Water hyacinth,
Coconut, Pineapple leaf, Ramie, etc. The rural artisans are converting these fibres into value added
finished products such as bags, table mats, cushion covers, hats, floor coverings, etc., and such activity
provides large employment to the rural poor, specially the underprivileged class.
To-day, extracting Banana fibre from the Banana bark is very simple by using small machinery
which cost is around Rs.50000/- only. The Fibre which comes out from the machines is to be sun dried
and may be used for manufacturing of various handicraft articles like bags, purses, etc which are high
value items. The same fibre may be used in Handloom sector too.
The Banana bark is another item which can be used for production of various articles of
handicraft, ropes, etc and even may be used in handloom. The bark ( Kolor Dhakuwa) should be sun
dried first , after that the same may be washed and dried again and after that the dried barks may be used
for making mat, rope and other articles.
4.4 Marketable Surplus of some Fruits & Spices ( Assam & North Easter Region):Assam produces varieties of horticulture crops but there is a lack of processing industries. There
might be non-availability of adequate supply of Raw materials or no surplus for the industries. Assam is
considered as catchment area of NER for all surplus Agri-Horticulture products. Some quantity sold in
the State of Assam or transit through Assam to other parts of the country. An assessment of surplus of
such products has been made following the existing criteria and taking into accounts of products of the
other NE states. Following are the marketable surplus of some products : ( in Table:4.8)
Table:4.8Marketable Surplus of various products of Assam & North Eastern Region
A. Fruits1. Pineapple
States Season of availability Marketable surplus (MT)Assam May/June, Nov/Dec 151241Nagaland July/August 66300Meghalaya June/September, December/February 57206Arunachal Pradesh May/August 19374Mizoram June/July 2148Tripura May/July, November/December 25
Total 296294
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2. Oranges
States Season of availability Marketable surplus (MT)Assam November/February 45056Nagaland November/February 26421Meghalaya December/March 19386Mizoram November/January 20040Arunachal Pradesh November/January 14540Tripura November/January 10
Total 125453
3. Banana
States Season of availability Marketable surplus (MT)Assam Whole year 413066Nagaland Whole year 38482Arunachal Pradesh Whole year 7882Mizoram Whole year 7362
Total 466792
4. Guava
States Season of availability Marketable surplus (MT)Assam September/October 40968Nagaland September/October 5100Arunachal Pradesh September/October 2224Mizoram September/October 1346
Total 49638
5. Jackfruits
States Season of availability Marketable surplus (MT)Assam June/September 109329Mizoram June/September 950Tripura May/July 100
Total 110379
6. Arecanut
States Season of availability Marketable surplus (MT)Assam July/October 47782Meghalaya October/March 5486Mizoram November/March 4588
Total 57856
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B. Spices
1. Ginger
States Season of availability Marketable surplus (MT)Assam October//March 79054Meghalaya December/March 42655Mizoram December/March 28022Arunachal Pradesh January/March 19377Nagaland January/March 10729
Total 179837
2. Turmeric
States Season of availability Marketable surplus (MT)Assam September /November 5622Meghalaya December/March 7708Nagaland January 3500Mizoram January 2506
Total 19336
3. Topioca
States Season of availability Marketable surplus (MT)Assam November/February 9482Mizoram November/February 864Manipur November/February 800
Total 11146
4. Dry Chillis
States Season of availability Marketable surplus (MT)Assam February/April 6776Mizoram February/April 1168Manipur December/April 859
Total 8803
5. Black pepper
States Season of availability Marketable surplus (MT)Assam December/March 2429Meghalaya September/December 418Mizoram September/December 2
Total 2849
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C. Vegetables
1. Potato
States Season of availability Marketable surplus (MT)Assam December/February 465115Meghalaya June/August 101004Nagaland May/June 30000Mizoram December/March 794
Total 596913
2.Tomato
States Season of availability Marketable surplus (MT)Assam October/March 7498Nagaland May/June 7200Mizoram December/April 911Tripura January/March 2
Total 15611
3. Chillies ( Green)
States Season of availability Marketable surplus (MT)Assam February/April 6776Nagaland October/November 4000Mizoram December/April 837
Total 11613
4. Papaya
States Season of availability Marketable surplus (MT)Assam Whole year 60113Nagaland Whole year 8000
Total 68113Source: NERAMAC & NEDFi
4.5 Jute:The Jute industry occupies significant place in the Indian economy. The Indian Jute Industry is
very old & predominant in the eastern part of India. There are 78 large Jute mills in India. Production of
jute is concentrated in states like West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Andhra
Pradesh. Assam is the 3rd largest jute producer in the country and jute production is concentrated in the
districts of Darrang, Barpeta , Goalpara , Dhubri , Nagaon & Morigaon. On an average Assam produces
117000 MT (average 650000 bales, 1 bales = 180 kgs) of Jute per year.
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State Government has proposed to increase the production of Jute in next five years. Proposed target
of jute production is given below:
Table : 4.9Proposed Target of Jute ( Jute & Mesta) production for the period of 12th Five year Plan
Item/s 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17Area ( lakh hec) 0.86 0.98 1.10 1.22 1.35Proposed Production ( in lakh MT)
10.55 12.40 14.20 16.20 18.20
Productivity ( Kg /hec) 2210 2280 2325 2390 2430
(a) Utilization of Jute in industrial sector:Assam has the following Jute mills, viz:
Table :4.10 Jute Industries in Assam
Sl no
Name of the Jute Mill/s Item of production Installed capacity/day
7 Nezone Jute Products, Kharupetia, Darrang Jute yarn (sutli), 3Total Installed capacity of Jute Mills 72 MT/dayAnnual requirement in mill sector ( (300 working days)
21600 MT
Table:4.10 shows that Assam has an installed capacity of 72 MT of raw jute per day i.e annual
requirement of jute at 100% capacity is about 21600 MT. According to informal market information,
81.5% ( approx- 95400 MT) of jute is exported to outside the state.
(b) Some ongoing activities in Assam on Jute:1. It is proposed to set up one Jute Park with the help of Ministry of Textiles , Govt of India.
2. Jute diversified products, mainly the handicraft items are a major source of employment
in the districts of Morigaon , Kamrup, Dhubri & Goalpara.
4.6 Floriculture:Assam housed more than 600 varieties of tropical orchids and has high potential. The potential
areas for floriculture development in Assam are Hajo / Kulhati, Bongsor, Guwahati, Sonitpur, Nagaon,
Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Tezpur and Silchar. The Hajo and Kulhati areas are located close to Guwahati and thus
transportation to the markets of Guwahati is easier. The present floriculture status in the state indicates
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that commercial floriculture is undertaken in approximately 700 ha land producing around 100 tonnes of
flowers. The major flowers grown commercially include marigold, rose, jasmine, tuberose,
chrysanthemum, gladiolus, anthurium.
Table:4.11FLORICULTURE IN ASSAM
Sl. No.
Flower Sowing Season Growing Season Area / Districts
1. Marigold Sept. to Oct. April Kamrup, Sonitpur, Cacher, Jorhat, Nagaon
2. Rose Year round Cachar, Jorhat, Nagaon3. Jasmine Sept April4. Tuberose Sept Feb. / March5. Chrysanthemum,
Gladiolus, Gerbera and Anthurium
Oct. Feb. / March
Floriculture is being developed in an organized manner in 10 – 12 villages in and around the Hajo
region in Kamrup district where marigold is grown. The flowers “imported” from outside are Hibiscus
(Jaba), Rose, Marigold (Garlana), Lily, Tuberose, Lotus etc.
(a) Guwahati Flower market
The Sukreswar Ghat flower market beside the river Brahmaputra in Guwahati, is the largest of its
kind in the north-eastern region and comprises over 25 stalls in the footpath and as many flower-sellers
squatting on the road with flower baskets and makeshift arrangements. Large varieties of flowers are
displayed including marigold, tuberose, gladiolus, rose, sunflower and other floriculture products. Among
them marigold occupies the major share followed by tuberose, rose and gladiolus. Besides selling loose
flowers they are also available value added forms like garland, sticks and bouquets. Similarly they are
bought for variety of reasons – religious, social, personal and other decorative purposes.
Floriculture is prevalent in 10 to 12 villages in and around the Hajo region in Kamrup district.
Cultivators, mainly belonging to Malakar caste are historically engaged in flower cultivation in the
villages of Bor Dadhi, Khudra Dadhi, Bagta, Hatdola, Ramdia, Checha, Dodhial Ram, Kismat Bonshar
etc. Marigold is the only variety grown in these villages. Rose and Tuberose are limited only to few
enterprising farmers in and around the Checha village. Limited local production and higher demand
forces traders to search for alternative supply sources outside the state and Kolkata is one of such main
sources.
As shown in the table above, flower cultivation in the state is seasonal although the demand exists
all through the year. Marigold, the largest produce, is available from January to March / April. Around 10
tukris (standard floral basket) of marigold are supplied to the Sukreswar Ghat market during this period.
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Among them eight tukris consist of garlands each containing 200 pieces and the rest tukris consist of
loose flowers.
Limited local production and higher demand forces the traders to search for alternative supply
sources outside the State. The flower market of Kolkata offers them with the required respite. On an
average (other than the period when local flowers are available) 10 tukris of marigold, each containing
200 garlands are supplied daily from Kolkata. About 2000 sticks of tuberose are bought daily from
Kolkata. Similarly 300 to 500 sticks of gladiolus, 1500 pieces of rose, 150 pieces of sunflower and
chrysanthemum are supplied daily from Kolkata all round the year. During religious festivals and
marriage ceremonies additional pieces of tuberose, rose and other flowers are bought to meet the
occasional demand. All the flowers supplied from Kolkata are transported through airways so that
maximum freshness, fragrance and colour is maintained. The average airfreight is about Rs. 40/- per Kg.
Due to their exotic variety, brighter colours and a longer bloom time the flowers brought from
outside the State fetch higher price and profit vis-à-vis the local products.
(b) ICL Flora Exotica
India Carbon Ltd pioneers in the field of Calcined Petroleum Coke has established the first
commercial floriculture unit in the entire North-Eastern Region, for the cultivation and propagation of the
finest and most suitable varieties of plants, especially, hybrid orchids. This floriculture unit that has been
set up is expected to contribute to the growth and development of the floriculture industries in this
Region. India Carbon Ltd., first started their plantation with indigenous orchids, which were collected
mostly from Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Upper Assam in the month of December, 1991.
Presently, they have 1600 plants of 23 different varieties of indigenous orchids.
The orchid cultivation was started with indigenous varieties and had tied-up with M/s. TOH
Orchids of Singapore, one of the leading companies in the field and also with Bio-Technology Division
and Department of Plant Pathology of Assam Agriculture University (AAU), Jorhat, which is one of the
premier Institute with Research & Development facilities with highly trained skilled personnel &
scientists in that field. India Carbon Ltd initially, in March’ 1993, imports plants from Singapore,
Thailand and Malaysia and 65,650 plants were imported. The five different varieties of imported orchids
are :
(i) Aranthera (ii) Mokara (iii) Aranda(iv) Dendrobium (v) Oncidium
In an area of 2.5 hectares India Carbon Ltd had already been planted with more than 1.5 lakh
plants. India Carbon Ltd. had a yield of approximately 55,000 / 60,000 spikes which has grown to about
2.0 lakh spikes.
(c) Marketing of floriculture products:
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Recently following are the companies which are operating from the North Eastern region:
i. M/S Zopar Export (P) Ltd – collecting from the north east and marketed in different parts
of India. This is a Bangalore based company having show rooms at Shillong & Guwahati
and their main sources are from Meghalaya & Mizoram.
ii. M/S Sheel Biotech (P) Ltd a Delhi based company having a collection centre and show
room at Guwahati.
iii. M/S Florence Flora (P) Ltd , another Bangalore based company having a collection
centre at Guwahati.
iv. M/S Sabeer Viotech (P) Ltd a Delhi based company, they also collect various products
from North East but have no outlet at Guwahati.
There is several small floriculture producing units at North Guwahati (near Mandakata) & nearby
Jagiroad and they produce varieties of floriculture products in Green houses . These units have to depend
on the organized sector units to sell their products.
4.11 Rubber:Assam has Rubber plantation in 27082.52 hec of land and out of that tapping area is about
7686.25 hec. Assam produced 10213 MT of RSS ( Ribbed Smoke Sheet) during the year 2010-11.
Leading producers of RSS is Karbi-Anglong , Goalpara, Karimganj, Cachar, Kamrup etc. Due to lack of
processing industries in the State, entire products are sold in the outside market. Production of Rubber in
the state is given at Annexure-4.2.
4.12 Medicinal & Aromatic plants:
Medicinal & aromatic plant sector is one of the important but neglected sector. Now due to
intervention of NEDFi, Medicinal Plant Board of Assam etc, it has gained importance and has the
potential to provide income & employment to local people. The Medicinal Plant Board of Assam has
taken up number of activities to enhance the production of various medicinal herbs etc in different parts
of the State of Assam through Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs). Following are the 6 (six)
crops initially identified where cultivation has also started in the districts of Kamrup, Cachar, Nagaon ,
Dibrugarh & Chirang . The crops are viz: 1.Sarpagandha ( Rauwfia serpentina ), 2. Pipoli ( Piper
longum ) 3. Keturi (Curcuma Zedoria ) 4. Gandh Kachu ( Homalomena aromatica ) 5. Agar ( Aquilaria
agallocha ) 6. Bhatgilla (Oroxylum indica ) .They have also proposed to initiate cultivation of another 3
(three) crops during 2011-12 and these are Ashok ( Saraca asoka) , Bach ( Acorus calamus) and Bogi
Tora (Alpinea galanga).It was also reported that about 1082 ha of plantation has already been carried out
by the 6 FDAs. According to a recent survey, volume of medicinal plant parts available is as follows:
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Table :4.12Availability of Medicinal Plant parts in Assam
Sl Plant parts traded from Assam Qty/year (MT)1 Whole plant 18362 Leaf 10803 Bark 9724 Fruit 17285 Root 27006 Rhizome 10807 Seeds 5408 Spikes and fingers 3249 Others 540
Traded quantity 10800 MTApproximate value at present market rate 100 Cr
Source: Data Bank, NEDFi(a) Cultivable Medicinal & Aromatic plants in AssamFollowing are the medicinal & aromatic plants which may be cultivated in the respective areas:
Sl no Medicinal /Aromatic Plants Suggested areas for cultivation1 Abelmoschus moschatus Karbi-Anglong, Dima Hasao, flood free areas of
Brahmaputra and Barak valley.2 Andrographis paniculata (kalmegh) Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Nagaon, and
districts of lower Assam.3 Aquilaria agallocha (Agaru) Upto 2000 m. ( Nagaon, Golaghat, Sonitpur,
Karbi-Anglong , Dima-Hasao etc)4 Artemisia annua Karbi-Anglong, Dima Hasao, flood free areas of
Brahmaputra and Barak valley5 Asparagus recemosus ( Shatamuli) Karbi-Anglong, Dima Hasao, Nagaon,6 Bacopa monnieri ( Brahmi) Flood free areas of entire Brahmaputra and
Barak Valley of Assam.7 Desmodium gangeticum ( Salprani) Karbi-Anglong, Dima Hasao and flood free areas
of Brahmaputra valley8 Gymnema sylvestris ( Gur Khar) Karbi-Anglong, Dima Hasao, flood free areas of
Brahmaputra and Barak valley.9 Homalomena aromatic
(Sugandhmantri /Gandh kachu)Dima Hasao, Hilly areas of Brahmaputra valley.
10 Mucuna pruriens ( Alkuchi/ Kopikachu)
Flood free areas of Brahmaputra valleyIncluding hilly areas.
11 Piper longum ( Pipli) Karbi-Anglong, Dima Hasao, flood free areas of Brahmaputra and Barak valley.
12 Pogostemon cablin ( Patchouli) Flood free areas of Brahmaputra and Barakvalley including hilly areas.
13 Rauvolfia serpentina ( Sarpagandha) Karbi-Anglong and Dima Hasao14 Santalum album (baga Chandan) Rain shadow belt and Karbi-Anglong, N. C. Hills15 Smilax china ( Sukh Cheni) Karbi-Anglong, Dima Hasao and hilly areas of
Barak Valley.16 Tylophora indica ( Anantamul) Karbi Anglong , Dima Hasao, flood free areas of
Brahmaputra and Barak valley
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(b) Some of the leading manufacturers of medicinal & aromatic products of Assam
Citronella/aromatic oil processing units1 M/S Aroma India Ltd, Rajapara , Dist: Kamrup2 M/S Kamrup Essential Oil, Sekhadhari , Dist: Kamrup3 M/S Banjara Khoirabari Atherikhat Rural Development, Vill: Khoirabari, Dist:
Udalguri.4 M/S Purbanchal Aromatics, Vill. Loharghat, Dist: Kamrup5 M/S Jharkana Citronella Co-operative Society, Vill & PO: Nagrijulee, Dist: Baksa6 M/S M O Citronella Industry, Vill. Jingia Dist: Sonitpur7 M/S Karbi-Anglong Citronella Society, Karbi-Anglong8 M/S Brahmaputra Valley Aromatic Oil Industries
1 M/S North East Essential Oils, Maligaon , Guwahati-112 M/S Banjara Khoirabari Atherikhat Rural Development, Vill: Khoirabari, Dist:
Udlaguri.3 M/S Prayaas, Rangia , Dist. Kamrup
Liquid deodorant1 Oidin Industries , K K Barua Road, Jorhat2 Bi Ti Sa Udyog , Nalbari3 Priyam Products, Lachitnagar, Dibrugarh4 S M Industries , Garali, Jorhat5 Suraj Enterprises, Garlai, Jorhat
Mosquito repellant Agarbati1 Premier Agro products, Sivasagar
Some other processors/exporters 1 M/S Al-Hayat Industries
Moirabari, Dist. Morigaon,, Assam2 M/S Herbal Arcade
House No. 1, Bye lane No.1, Gandhibasti, Guwahati-781 0033 M/S Assam Agro & Perfumes
Head Office: Thana Road, Nagaon-782001, Assam4 M/S Shanti Sadhana Ashram
Shantivan, Basistha, Guwahati-295 Regional Research and Training
Centre on Indian Traditional Treatment,Tetelitol, Golaghat, Assam.
6 Flower Valley Agrotech (P) Ltd. (AJMAL Group)R&D Centre, Gopal Nagar, Hojai, Assam
7 R&D Centre, NEDFiKhetri, Dist: Kamrup (Metro) AssamMajor Ayurvedic medicines manufacturing units
4.16.1 Slaughter house:There is only one Slaughter house recently set up by the Assam Livestock & Poultry Corporation
at Khanapara Guwahati with the help of MoFPI. There has been a proposal from a private sector industry
of Kamrup district to put up a new slaughter house at Guwahati with an investment of Rs. 9 Cr during
2012-13.
4.16.2 The Leather sectorLeather sector provides twin advantages of generating employment and export earnings. Both are
vital for a developing economy. Another distinct character of leather sector is that it encompasses a wide
range of agro-industrial activities. Livestock is the base for leather. The trends in population of livestock
and meat consumption have a bearing on the leather industry. In particular, meat consumption has a direct
relationship with the availability of basic raw materials. Meat eating enables the availability of
hides/skins. Tanning prepares the basic material into leather. Conversion of leather into products is an
industrial activity. The ultimate items are consumer products. They are considered utility as well as
glamorous products. All these activities are inter related and inter dependant.
Tanning of raw hides and skins into leather adds value by almost 100%. A range of chemicals
(Organic and Inorganic) and machine related industries would get a boost through tanning, besides
employment. The value addition upto its end products in leather sector is more than 150% and capability
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of generating employment is 3 to 4 times in compared to other industries. All these benefits are being
realized in certain regions of the country like Tamil Nadu (Ranipet, Ambur, Vaniyambadi, Erode,
Dindigul, Chennai), West Bengal (Kolkata), UP (Kanpur, Noida, Agra) and Punjab (Jalandhar) etc
contributing primarily for exports and partially for domestic consumptions.
(a) Assam & other North Eastern states
The one of the main features of the animal utilization in the North-East region for purpose of
meat. From the point of view of leather sector, goat meat and beef consumption in Assam & North East is
a positive factor. Per capita beef consumption is 8 to 10 times more over the rest of the country. On an
average 3300 cattle (cow and its progeny) and buffaloes are slaughtered daily in the entire region. It
accounts for almost 12 lakhs pieces of bovine hides per year. Goat meat consumption results in daily
slaughter of 9300 goats. In other words, nearly 34 lakh goat skins are available annually. The need for
utilization of this basic material is the first driving force for the sub-sector. The second driving force is the
available market for leather products. In aggregate 650 lakh pairs of footwear are consumed in this
region. Further there is good demand for leather garments and goods in Shillong, Aizwal, Imphal, etc.
There is a fascination for variety of fashionable leather items in this region. The availability of resources
and market for leather products are the two strong drivers for development of leather sector in the North
East.
(b) Hides and skins collection:
There is reasonably good network for mobilization of hides and skins. Collection from urban
areas is about 100% where as from rural/ remote areas the rate of recovery is low due to inaccessibility.
Primary collection is organized through local traders and wholesale transactions take place in markets
such as Nagoan, Jorhat, Shillong, Silchar & Guwahati. Much of these arrivals is semi processes and
transported to Kolkata. Depending on the market price such materials also move to Bangladesh.
(c) Tanning Industry:
There are 6 small tanneries in Assam and all of them are located in Barak valley. Out of these one
unit is in Cachar and other five are in Karimganj district. All these units process upto wet blue and supply
to Kolkota.
4.17. Sericulture
The state accounts for highest production of non-mulberry silk, Muga and Eri in the country.
Assam has the monopoly in the world in production of Muga , the “Golden thread” as more than 95% of
Muga silk is produced here. Assam has also achieved the right of “Geographical Indication” for Muga
thread. The state is also a major producer of Eri silk .
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According to recent statistics, the state has produced 113.24 MT Muga raw silk, 810.98 MT of
Eri Raw silk and 11.4 MT of mulberry raw silk during the year 2010-11. Tasar raw silk rearing has been
developed in the state and it is practiced in the two hill districts. The total area under Silkworm feed
plants has been recorded with a little increase to 21301 ha ( +0.34 %) during 2010-11 from 21229 ha
during the year 2009-10. The year-wise Sericulture activities in Assam are shown below:
Table:4.15Sericulture Activities in Assam
Sl Particulars 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-111 Sericulture villages (nos) 9683 9373 9373 9537 10532 105322 No of families engaged (no) 196152 191434 239281 238578 260707 2541343 Area under silk works feed
plants (Ha)18556 18392 18548 18556 21229 21301
3.1 Eri 7293 7382 7531 7538 7623 76703.2 Muga 7255 7299 7305 7305 8902 89083.3 Mulberry 4007 3711 3712 3713 4704 47234 Yield of Cocoons4.1 Eri cocoons ( in MT) 700 887 1046 1080 1089 11084.2 Muga Cocoons ( in lakh nos) 4905 4933 4302 5040 4436 63684.3 Mulberry reeling cocoons ( in
MT)119 92 110 100 84 110
5 Production of Silk yarn (MT)
635 773 884.81 921 916.17 935.66
5.1 Eri raw silk 525 665 784.26 810 819.09 810.985.2 Muga raw silk 98 99 91.07 101 88.73 113.285.3 Mulberry raw silk 12 9 9.48 10 8.35 11.4
Source: Economic Survey of Assam, 2011-12
14.7.A District-wise Suggested Sericulture activities in Industrial sector:
The following table shows suggested activities in the sericulture sector:
Table : 4.16District-wise Suggested Activities in secondary sector
Sl District Suggested activities for secondary sector1 Baksa Eri Cluster at Baksa2 Barpeta Eri cluster, spinning & weaving3 Bongaigaon Eri cluster, spinning & weaving4 Cachar Eri & Muga cluster, spinning & weaving5 Chirang Eri & Muga cluster, spinning & weaving6 Darrang Eri & Muga cluster, spinning & weaving7 Dhemaji Eri & Muga cluster, spinning & weaving8 Dhubri Cluster activity in Eri production and madeups.9 Dibrugarh Cluster activity in Eri/Muga production and madeups.10 Goalpara Cluster activity in Eri production and madeups.11 Golaghat Cluster activity in Eri production and madeups.
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12 Hailakandi Cluster activities in Eri.13 Jorhat Cluster activity in Muga & Eri production and madeups.14 Kamrup (Rural &
metro)Eri & Muga cluster, spinning & weaving
15 Karbi-Anglong Eri cluster, spinning & weaving16 Karimganj Cluster activity in Eri production and madeups.17 Kokrajhar Cluster activity in Eri production and madeups.18 Lakhimpur 1. Cluster activity in Muga & Mulberry.19 Morigaon 1.Cluster activity in Muga & Eri.20 Dima Hasao 1.Cluster activity in Eri.21 Nagaon 1.Cluster activity in Muga & Mulberry.22 Nalbari 1.Cluster activity in Muga & Mulberry.23 Sivasagar 1. Cluster activity in Muga & Mulberry.24 Sonitpur Eri & Muga cluster, spinning & weaving25 Tinsukia 1.Cluster activity in Eri & Muga .26 Udalguri 1.Cluster activity in Muga & Mulberry.
Note: Highest producer of Eri silk is in the districts of Sivasagar, Dima Hasao, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur &
Dhemaji. Highest producer of Muga silk is in the districts of Lakhimpur, Sivasagar, Golaghat, Darrang &
Jorhat. Highest producer of Mulberry silk is in the districts of Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Kamrup, Kokrajhar
and Darrang.
4.18 Handloom:Assam is known for its rich and glorious tradition of making handloom based products.
According to published data, there are 13 lakh looms in Assam out of total 28 lakh looms in the country.
However, the handloom industry has not flourished in commercial sphere to the optimum extent. At
present only 2.80 lakh looms in the state are being utilized for commercial weaving in real sense. About
5.7 lakh looms run semi-commercially earning subsidiary incomes. Rests are domestic looms catering to
meet the domestic requirements only.
4.19 Power looms
The number of power looms in the state is about 50 only. These are concentrated in Nagaon &
Kamrup districts. Recently one power loom unit have been established at Amingaon for specific use of
Muga silk weaving.
4.20 Yarn dying:As per official record, there are 27 yarn dying units in small scale sector and one in medium
sector. There are more than 100 non-registered units operating in Kamrup, Cachar, Hailakandi and
Nagaon districts of Assam.
4.21 Vegetable dyes:
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The raw materials for production of vegetable dyes are plentifully available. This has provided
relatively better opportunity for the development of this industry in Assam.
(a) Vegetable Dyes in North Eastern Region
Some of the places in this region, where natural dyes continue to be extracted or used in some
form or other are Imphal, Kadampapi (Manipur), Kensa and Akoya (Nagaland), Bhoi Area (Meghalaya),
Boko area ( Assam) and few places of Arunachal Pradesh. Indigo (Indigofora tinctoria) blue dyeing
process is fairly known and so also the process of madder dyeing. Cassia Tora (Chakunda) a very cheap
substitute for Indigo blue is also used in some places. Kum (Strobilanthes flaccidifolius) (Khum, Khuma)
is another plant which yields blue and blue black colour. This dye is used in Manipur, Nagaland, and a
few other parts of the North Eastern Region.
(b) Advantage of Assam
Assam possesses natural wealth in the form of plant in plenty. Studies have shown that Assam
could become one of the leading producers of vegetable dyes and can compete with states like Gujarat,
Rajasthan , Odisha, etc.
(c) Advantage of vegetable dyes:
The major advantages for the use of vegetable dyes are that vegetable dyes do not cause any harm
to human skin and no hazards are anticipated in their manufacturing, rather some of the dyes act as health
cure. The chemical reaction is almost absent in the manufacture of vegetable dyes and there is no
pollution problem. All these dyes are harmonized with nature.
(d) Sources of Vegetable dyes
The natural dyes are classified as monogenetic and polygenetic dyes. Monogenetic dye materials
produce only one colour on textiles irrespective of mordants. Polygenetic dye matters develop different
colours according to the mordant applied before dyeing. The common sources of vegetable dyes are as
under:
(i) Parts of Plants such as leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, bark, roots of dye yielding plants.
(ii) Minerals such as prussion blue, red ochre and ultramarine blue,
(iii) Animal origins such as Lac, cochimeal and kermes.
(e) Dye yielding plant species in Assam1. Khoyar – Dry stem bark mixed with slakes lime boiled in water.
2. Bel – Crushed fruit shell boiled in water (mordanting required)
3. Jati Koroi – Fresh stem bark boiled in water (mordanting required)
4. Rangapuroi – Fresh ripe fruit mixed with alum (mordanting required)
5. Palash – Flowers boiled in water (mordanting required)
6. Haludi – Boiled in water (mordanting required)
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7. Keheraj – Fresh plant (mordanting not required)
8. Bhringraj – Fresh plant (mordanting not required)
9. Silikha – Fruits (mordanting not required), can be used as a mordant
10. Kuji Thekera – Gum from ripe fruit (mordanting required)
11. Teportenga – Stem bark and fruit gum grinded and boiled in water (mordanting required)
12. Jetuka (Henna) – From leaves (mordanting required)
13. Madhuri Aam – Fresh leaves and fruits (mordanting required)
14, Kala Jamun – From bark (mordanting required)
15. Futuki – From fruits (mordanting required)
16. Sewali – Fresh flowers (mordanting required)
17. Bogori – Stem bark (mordanting required)
18. Manjistha – Root crushed by adding water (mordanting required)
19. Naga bhomloti – Leaves and stem bark (mordanting required)
20. Chegoon – Leaves and stem bark (mordanting required)
21. Onion – Skim (mordanting required)
22. Lac – Resin (mordanting required)
23. Barali Mach (fish) – Pit only (without mordant)
24. Nil (Indigo) – Vat dye (without mordant)
25. Dalim – Outer skin of the fruit (without mordant)
26. Chao-Tamool – Fruits, with and without mordant
27. Monisaal (Ritha) – For scouring
28. Nemu – For changing pH value
29. Teteli - For changing pH value
30. Kala khar - For changing pH value
(f) International Demand
The total size of the world market for dyes, pigments and intermediates is estimated at around US
$ 50 billion. The major importing countries are Germany (32%), France (17%), Italy (14%) and the U.K.
(10%). The largest suppliers are Mexico and Peru. Exports from India are less than 5%.
4.22 Calendaring units:
There is an ample opportunity for setting up of small calendaring units in the different places of
Assam. Calendaring is one of the requirements of handloom units and there are only 3 units in Bijoynagar
areas of South Kamrup district. New entrepreneurs may be motivated to take up this kind of activity
which will help the state to market our handloom products.
4.23 Forest resources including Bamboo & Cane
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Plywood, veneer, pulp and paper, safety match box making, etc are the main forest based
industries in the state of Assam. In fact, Plywood industry was once one of the major industries after tea
and petroleum. Timber, bamboo, cane, etc are the main useful products from the forests of Assam.
Table:4.17Data on Forest & Tree Cover Area (State of Forest Report 2011, of F.S.I)
1 Percentage of Forest & Tree Cover to Total Geographical Area
36.67 %
2 Percentage of Forest Cover to Total Geographical Area
24.58 %
3 Area of Forest Cover 27,673 Sq. Km.(3.2 % of Country's F.C).
4 Area of Tree Cover 1,564 Sq. Km.5 Total Area of Forest & Tree Cover 29,237 Sq. Km.6 Percentage of R.F. area to Geographical Area 22.77 %7 Per capita Forest & Tree Cover 0.094 hact.8 Extent of Water bodies within F.C 359 Sq. Km. with 1.29 % of Forest
Outside Forest -.41.336 Million Cu. Mt10 Very Dense 1,444 Sq. Km.11 Moderately Dense 11,404 Sq. Km.12 Degraded /Open Forests 14,825 Sq. Km
Forest Village13 Total Number 499 Nos.14 Area 538,35 Sq. Km. (0.69 % of R.F. area)15 Total Population 2,34,113 Nos. (approx.)16 Forest Fringe Villages 3,000 Nos. (approx.)
Outturn of Forest Products (2010-11)17 Timber in Cu. Mt. 34,14118 Fuel Wood in St. Cu. Mt. 128819 Stone in Cu. Mt. 19,79,81520 Sand in Cu. Mt. 24,70,58721 Clay/ 17,30,252
Licensed Wood Based Industries22 Plywood Mills 1523 Veneer Mills 0324 Saw Mills 13225 Departmental Saw Mills 226 Timber Treatment and Seasoning Plant at Makum 1
4.23. A Conservation Kaleidoscope of Assam Forest is as follows:
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Table: 4.18Conservation Kaleidoscope
Name of item/s No Remarks1 National Park 5 2 Wildlife Sanctuaries 20 Including 3 proposed3 Tiger Reserves 3 Manas, Nameri, Kaziranga4 Biosphere Reserve 2 Dibru Saikhowa, Manas5 World Heritage Site 2 Kaziranga, Manas6 Ramsar Site 1 Deepar Beel7 Important Bird Area (IBA) 46 8 Elephant Reserves 5
4.23.a Bamboo & Cane Industries
India is one of the richest countries in bamboo population with about 75 genera and 136 species,
out of the total 1250 species of bamboo grown in the world. The North Eastern region alone hosts about
90 species under 13 genera. Bamboo has enormous potential which has only been partially harnessed.
There are atleast 1500 recorded uses of bamboo. The major production of bamboo in Assam is now being
utilized by the paper industries, used as local building material and for production of handicraft items, etc.
The Hindustan Paper Corporation Ltd (HPCL) in its two mills at Jagiroad (Morigaon) and Panchgram
(Hailakandi) have annual requirement of 8 lakh MT of raw bamboo. Despite its versatile utilities, bamboo
in India is currently faced with a number of problems like low productivity, over exploitation of available
stock, gregarious flowering, etc. Availability of Bamboo in India is given below:
Table:4.19
Availability of Bamboo in India
Sl no
States/Region Area in percentage to All India
Growth stock in percentage
1 North Eastern Region of India 28 662 Madhya Pradesh 20.3 123 Maharashtra 9.9 54 Orissa 8.7 75 Andhra Pradesh 7.4 26 Karnataka 5.5 37 Others 20.2 5
Bamboo), Dendrocalamus Hamiltonii ( Koko Bamboo ) and Dendrocalamus Gigianteus ( Moklam
Bamboo).
4.26 Cane in Assam
14 species of cane grows in cane brakes in forests of Assam. Calamus Flagellum, Calamus
Floribunadus, Calamus Latifolius are found widely distributed throughout Assam. Plectomia Assamica
and Plectomia Bractealis are endemic species.
4.27 Industrial Activities based on Cane & Bamboo in MSE sector:
There are 480 units undertaking cane and bamboo works in 26 districts of Assam with an
investment of Rs.371.34 lakh, employing 2212 people. (Details are in the Annexure-4.4.)
4.28 Some other activities in this sector:A. Construction of Bamboo park at Industrial Growth Centre , Chaygaon is going on . The
project will be ready by end of March, 2014.
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B. Bamboo based New products in Assam and other NER:
Sl Name of the units Item/s of production1 M/S Koson Forest products,
EPIP, AmingaonComposite/floor board
2 M/S Kitply IndustriesMargherita ( partially converted)
Bamboo mat board
3 M/S Maisang Products Pvt LtdIID, Dimow, Sivasagar
Bamboo flooring and panel board
4 M/S Rhino Bamboo IndustriesEPIP , Amingaon
Bamboo Blinds ( machine made)
5 M/S Ganesh UdyogIndustrial Estate, Tinsukia
Bamboo mat ply board / particle board.
Name of the units of other states of NER1 Ceeke Bamboo Pvt Ltd, Mizoram Bamboo mat Ply2 Grace RTP Bamboo Pvt Ltd, Mizoram Bamboo Board3 Zonun Mat Ply , Mizoram Bamboo Mat ply4 Timpack Pvt Ltd, Barnyhat, Meghalaya Bamboo Mat ply5 Patkai Bamboo Pvt Ltd, Alubari, Dist: Lohit,
Arunachal PradesFlattened Bamboo Board
4.29 Bamboo Incense Stick making unit:
There are 64 units engaged in manufacturing of Bamboo incense sticks in the state of Assam.
4.29.a Possibility for cluster activity of Bamboo Incense Sticks in Assam
(a) Market Potential of Bamboo Incense sticks:
The incense stick market in India is valued at $400 million with an annual compounded growth
rate at 20%. Further value addition occurs when incense paste is hand-rolled, mostly by women, on to the
sticks to make “raw” incense sticks, which are then perfumed to obtain finished incense sticks. About
1,000 billion incense-sticks are produced annually, and bamboo sticks account for only 7-8% of the total
cost of incense sticks. This puts the current value of bamboo in incense sticks at $30 million. Annually
0.67 million tons of bamboo is consumed by the incense stick industry. Incense stick production is a
home-based industry engaging about 500,000 people in India, mostly women. Though both domestic and
export markets are growing, only 10% of the total cost of finished incense sticks is realized by the
producers because of marketing and financial constraints. Transportation, marketing and advertising often
claim 60-70% of the total cost, causing both producers and retailers to be at the mercy of agents and
wholesalers.
(b) Bamboo Incense sticks of North East India and Assam:
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Most common length of the incense sticks comprises with 8, 9 & 10 inches and mostly depends
on requirement of the user. North Eastern states are the pioneer in manufacturing raw bamboo incense
sticks due to abundance of raw materials. The State of Assam and Tripura contributes around 80% of
India’s total requirement of raw bamboo sticks for hand rolled Agarbattis. The assorted sticks are
produced in rural areas and made as per the market demand with different rates, lengths and thickness. In
Tripura this has now become a rural industry and is located in the areas of Kumarghat, Tuidu, Agartala,
etc. In Assam the major locations are Tinsukia, Barpeta, Goalpara , Dhubri and Nalbari district. The
dealers/manufacturers despatch the sticks to various companies located at Bangalore, Gaya, Hyderabad,
Kolkata, etc.
(c) Production of Bamboo sticks:
Bamboo sticks used for Agarbattis are of two types, (a) round and (b) square. Round sticks are
machine made while square sticks are handmade. The industry uses Jati and Muli species of bamboo.
There are different grades of bamboo sticks used for Agarbatti manufacturing. The most common four
grades includes
1. Super Medium Bamboo Sticks – consist of more than 6000 sticks per Kg.
2. Medium Bamboo Sticks – consist of more than 5000 sticks per Kg
3. Fine Bamboo sticks- consist of more than 7000 sticks per Kg.
4. Special Bamboo Sticks – consist of 4200-4500 sticks per Kg.
(d) Large Buyers of Incense Sticks:Following are the large buyers of incense sticks from Tinsukia and other parts of North East India
viz: Major Buyers of India Brand Name of the incense sticks1 N Ranga Rao & Sons, Mysore Cycle brand2 Hari Darshan Sevashram Pvt Ltd, New Delhi Haridarshan3 Shrinivas Sugandhalaya, Bangalore Nag Champa4 Sree Balaji Incense Industries, Khurda, Orissa Bharat Darshan5 ITC Ltd ( Agarbatti Dvn) Mangaldeep6 Abyssinia Impex, Mumbai Ratanmala7 Ram Dev Food products, Ahmadabad Vedam8 Shankar Perfumery works, Bangalore Sona Chandi Agarbatti
4.30 Organisational involvement in Bamboo sector:
1. Cane & Bamboo Technology Centre , Byrnihat (a NEC project)
Design , treatment and Training.
2. National Mission on Bamboo Application (National Mission on Bamboo)
Forest Department, Govt of Assam
3. Forest Department Planting materials
4.31 Prospect of Bamboo based activities in Assam:
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Based on the available resources following activities may be taken up :1 Cluster activities in each district of Assam for manufacturing of bamboo incense sticks
which has a great demand in the national market and may create additional employment opportunity for rural people..
2 Incense stick making units ( both in round & square)3 Bamboo shoot processing unit4 Bamboo mat making unit with Bamboo ply board/particle board5 Bamboo blinds ( Hand Loom base/ mechanical)6 Bamboo floor tiles etc7 Bamboo furniture & fixtures8 Cluster activity for bamboo mat making for rural employment generation.
4.32 Water Hyacinth:Water hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes) ( pani meteka) is an aquatic plant which can live and
reproduce floating freely on the surface of fresh water or can be anchored in mud. Plant size ranges from
a few inches to a metre in height. Its rate of proliferation under certain circumstances is extremely rapid
and it can spread to cause infestations over large areas of water causing a variety of problems. It grows in
mats up to 2 metres thick which can reduce light and oxygen, change water chemistry, affect flora and
fauna and cause significant increase in water loss due to evapotranspiration. It also causes practical
problems for marine transportation, fishing and at intakes for hydro power and irrigation schemes. It is
now considered a serious threat to biodiversity.
The plant originated in the Amazon Basin and was introduced into many parts of the world as an
ornamental garden pond plant due to its beauty. It has proliferated in many areas and can now be found
on all continents except Europe. It is particularly suited to tropical and subtropical climates and has
become a problem plant in areas of the southern USA, South America, East, West and Southern Africa,
South and South East Asia and Australia. Its spread throughout the world has taken place over the last
100 years or so, although the actual course of its spread is poorly documented. In the last 10 years the
rapid spread of the plant in many parts of Africa has led to great concern.
The plant is a perennial aquatic herb (Eichhornia Crassipes) which belongs to the family
Pontedericeae, closely related to the Liliaceae (Lily family). The mature plant consists of long, pendant
roots, rhizomes, stolons, leaves, inflorescences and fruit clusters. The plants are up to 1 metre high
although 40cm is the more usual height. The inflorescence bears 6 - 10 lily-like flowers, each 4 - 7cm in
diameter. The stems and leaves contain air-filled tissue which give the plant its considerable buoyancy.
The vegetation reproduction is asexual and takes place at a rapid rate under preferential conditions.
(a) Growth of Water Hyacinth
Water hyacinth populations increase rapidly. It was reported that in one experiment, two parent
plants produced 30 offspring after 23 days, and 1,200 at the end of four months and weight gains of 4.8
per cent per day. Some scientists reported that the number of water hyacinth plants doubled every 11.2 to
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15 days in a field observation. Standard densities of 300 to 442 tons per hectare have been found. In the
tropics, it was found that duplication of population occurred each seven days with an annual productivity
of between 930 and 2,900 tons per hectare .Water hyacinths grow most rapidly in water temperatures
from 28° to 30° C and at a pH from 4.0 to 8.0. They cease to grow when water temperature is above 40°
or below 10° C, and the pH range for growth is between 4.0 and 10.0.
(b) The problems created by Water Hyacinth:
Water hyacinth can cause a variety of problems when its rapid mat-like proliferation covers areas of fresh
water. Some of the common problems are listed below:
(a) Hindrance to water transport.
Access to harbours and docking areas can be seriously hindered by mats of water hyacinth. Canals and
freshwater rivers can become impassable as they clog up with densely intertwined carpets of the weed. It
is also becoming a serious hazard to lake transport on Lake Victoria as large floating islands of water
hyacinth form, while many of the inland waterways of South East Asia have been all but abandoned.
(b) Clogging of intakes of irrigation, hydropower and water supply systems.
Many large hydropower schemes are suffering from the effects of water hyacinth. The Owen Falls
hydropower scheme at Jinja on Lake Victoria is a victim of the weeds rapid reproduction rates and an
increasing amount of time and money is having to be invested in clearing the weed to prevent it entering
the turbine and causing damage and power interruptions. Water hyacinth is now a major problem in some
of the world's major dams - the Kariba dam which straddles the Zambia-Zimbabwe border on the
Zambezi River and feeds Harare has pronounced infestations of the weed. · Blockage of canals and rivers
causing flooding. Water hyacinth can grow so densely that a human being can walk on it. When it takes
hold in rivers and canals it can become so dense that it forms an herbivorous barrage and can cause
damaging and dangerous flooding.
(c) Micro-habitat for a variety of disease vectors.
The diseases associated with the presence of aquatic weeds in tropical developing countries are among
those that cause the major public health problems: malaria, schistosomiasis and lymphatic filariasis. Some
species of mosquito larvae thrive on the environment created by the presence of aquatic weeds, while the
link between schistosomiasis (bilharzia) and aquatic weed presence is well known. Although the
statistical link is not well defined between the presence of aquatic weeds and malaria and schistosomiasis,
it can be shown that the brughian type of filariasis (which is responsible for a minor share of lymphatic
filariasis in South Asia) is entirely linked to the presence of aquatic weeds .
(d) Increased evapotranspiration.
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Various studies have been carried out to ascertain the relationship between aquatic plants and the rate of
evapotranspiration compared with evaporation from an open-surfaced water body. It is suggested that the
rate of water loss due to evapotranspiration can be as much as 1.8 times that of evaporation from the same
surface but free of plants. This has great implications where water is already scarce. It is estimated that
the flow of water in the Nile could be reduced by up to one tenth due to increased losses in Lake Victoria
from water hyacinth.
(e) Problems related to fishing.
Water hyacinth can present many problems for the fisherman. Access to sites becomes difficult
when weed infestation is present, loss of fishing equipment often results when nets or lines become
tangled in the root systems of the weed and the result of these problems is more often than not a
reduction in catch and subsequent loss of livelihood. In areas where fishermen eke a meager living
from their trade, this can present serious socio-economic problems. Fishermen on Lake Victoria have
also noted that, in areas where there is much water hyacinth infestation, the water is 'still and warm and
the fish disappear'. They also complain that crocodiles and snakes have become more prevalent.
(f) Reduction of biodiversity.
Where water hyacinth is prolific, other aquatic plants have difficulty in surviving. This causes
an imbalance in the aquatic micro-ecosystem and often means that a range of fauna that relies on a
diversity of plant life for its existence, will become extinct. Diversity of fish stocks is often effected
with some benefiting and others suffering from the proliferation of water hyacinth. People often
complain of localised water quality deterioration. This is of considerable concern where people come
to collect water and to wash.
Quantification of the problem is often extremely difficult. The real effect on fish stocks and flora
is unknown. It is hard to calculate the effect on fishing communities. Even quantifying the coverage of the
weed is difficult on bodies of water which are as large and geographically complex as Lake Victoria.
Satellite methods are the only accurate way of determining the spread of the weed. Success is hard to
measure when the exact scale of the problem is not clearly defined and is anyway growing rapidly.
(C) Solutions
(i) Control of water hyacinth
There are several popular control mechanisms for preventing the spread of, or eradication of,
water hyacinth. The 3 main mechanisms used are biological, chemical and physical control. Each has its
benefits and drawbacks. Chemical control is the least favoured due the unknown long-term effects on the
environment and the communities with which it comes into contact. Physical control, using mechanical
mowers, dredgers or manual extraction methods, is used widely but is costly and cannot deal with very
45
large infestations. It is not suitable for large infestations and is generally regarded as a short-term
solution. Biological control is the most widely favoured longterm control method, being relatively easy to
use, and arguably providing the only economic and sustainable control.
(ii) Possible practical applications of water hyacinth
Although water hyacinth is seen in many countries as a weed and is responsible for many of the
problems outlined as above, many individuals, groups and institutions have been able to turn the problem
around and find useful applications for the plant. The plant itself, although more than 95% water, has a
fibrous tissue and a high energy and protein content, and can be used for a variety of useful applications.
There are number of possible uses for the plant, some which have been developed and others which are
still in their infancy or remain as ideas only, viz: (a) Paper, (b) Fibre board, (c) Yarn & Rope , (d) Basket
works , (e) Charcoal briquetting ( f) Biogas production, (g) Water purification (h) Animal fodder (i)
Fertilisers, (j) Fish food, etc.
(d) Advantage of commercial utilization of Water Hyacinth:
(a) Water hyacinth furnishings a naturally green product.
(b) Unlike precious tropical hardwoods, water hyacinth is a totally renewable resource
and no harmful chemicals are used to process the plant – just a substance that helps prevent
mould so safe that it can be eaten.
(c) Water hyacinth seems to be more durable than cane, it’s never the less light in weight.
Whereas cane is smooth, shiny and hard water hyacinth has a texture that absorbs light, making it
look soft and touchable. The thick braiding gives it a masculine feel, yet quite sensual.
Rattan cracks after use in a few years but water hyacinth absorbs moisture and breathes.
(e) Local names of Water Hyacinth:
• Panimeteka , Pit, Germany bon in Assamese
• Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes) in English
• Jala Kumbhi in Hindi
• Kobokong in Manipuri
• Pak-tob-java, Pkaktop Chawa in Thailand
• Hoteiaoi in Japanese
• Japan Jabra in Sinhali (Sri Lanka)
• Kachuri pena in Bengali
• Ecang gondok in Indonesia
• Keladi bunting in Malaysia
• Beda Bin in Myanmar etc.
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(f) Water Hyacinth in Assam
There is no official record of date introduction of Water Hyacinth in Assam, some accounts trace
back its introduction to 1926. There might be some reasons that the British government had to promulgate
an Act called “ The Assam Water Hyacinth Act, 1926 (Assam Act-III)” w.e.f 26 th May,1926.
There are two types of Water Hyacinth available in Assam ,viz: (1) Long type & (2) Dwarf type.
The long type is available mostly in stagnant water like Beel/Pond/Lake, while the Dwarf type is
available mostly in paddy fields.
(g) Availability of Water Hyacinth:
Water hyacinth is normally available in beels , road side ponds etc . In Assam, there are two
major river systems: Brahmaputra and Barak and beels are situated along the tributaries of these two river
systems. In Brahmaputra valley, there exist a total of 1,030 beels covering an area of 92,693 hectares; out
of which 306 beels (31,214 ha) are located in central Assam, 409 beels (29,383 ha) are in lower Assam
and 315 beels (32,016 ha) are in Upper Assam. On the other hand, there are about 167 beels with an area
of 8,122 ha in Barak valley. Presently these beels are under threat from many factors like pollution,
reclamation, habitat degradation, water hyacinth, etc. These threats cause loss of important biodiversity of
indigenous and migratory flora and fauna. The ecological degradation of beels started with the arrival of
the water hyacinth a century ago. Rampant growth of this fast-growing weed obstructs the penetration of
sunlight, inhibiting planktonic growth and contributing to eutrophication by slowing down water currents
and depositing debris at the bottom.
(h) Present uses of Water Hyacinth in Assam:
Raw water hyacinth is abundant in Assam and presently used for the following:
(1) As Organic manure in dry or wet condition mostly in Nagaon & Morigaon district. This
compost is important for growing of Jute, Potato, etc.
(2) As mulching materials by the farmers. Very recently, several Tea gardens of Assam have
started using water hyacinth as mulching materials.
(3) As animal feed mostly for Cows & Buffalo in Assam.
(4) From July, 2008, (an initiative of NEDFi) water hyacinth is now being used for
manufacturing of various Craft items, Furniture, Varieties of baskets etc.
(i)Water Hyacinth, an alternative source for Cane:
Depletion of Cane in the forest areas has hampered the traditional cane & bamboo sector of the
North Eastern Region. Irregular supply of cane and high cost of procurement have adversely affected the
craftsmen in their cane based activities. Introduction of processed raw material from water hyacinth has
thus facilitated an alternative and viable option. This weed can be weaved like cane and hence its
potential for use in basketry, bags, furniture and decorative items is enormous. Such a costeffective
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alternative helps the traditional craftsmen to be more competitive where their skill can be blended to reap
benefits of the modern market.
(j) Prospect of Water Hyacinth:
The water hyacinth based craft & other activities can be promoted in a big way as done in
countries like Thailand, Indonesia , Philippines, Kenya, China, etc. The approach may be as follows:
(1) Introduction of massive awareness programme in association with Departments/
Agencies to use Water Hyacinth as an alternative source of renewable echo-friendly raw material.
(2) Under Schemes like MGNREGA, DRDAs can promote collection of Water Hyacinth
through cleaning of beels/ponds and other water bodies.
(3) Introduction of capacity building programmes for the people.
(4) Braids of Water Hyacinth has a unique market; a group/groups of people may be
entrusted for making braids only.
(5) Assembly and finishing can be provided by skilled persons in Common Facility
Services Centres.
(6) A unique Showroom may be opened to act as sourcing hub of all products.
(k) Initiative taken by NEDFi for development of Water Hyacinth product:
NEDFi started promotion of water hyacinth in August,2008 in a small way. Over a period of one
year NEDFi has experimented with different product techniques and has also facilitated in skill-building
of around 500 artisans. The product segment has also been standardized after incorporating the feedback
of the domestic as well as international market.
Because of its abundance, water hyacinth provides good scope for its use in production of various
types of baskets and containers. Countries like Thailand , Malaysia and Indonesia are producing beautiful
products based on water hyacinth and it has a niche market because of its natural fiber.
(l) Eradication of Water hyacinth:
Water hyacinth must be eradicated to safeguard of key water bodies. Once the weeds have been
removed, then other indigenous and beneficial plants can be introduced to safeguard the newly liberated
aquatic habitat. Water hyacinth is a problem in waterways and wetlands in all parts of the tropical & sub-
tropical world. Its control is necessary otherwise it will inevitably cause problems to people and the
environment. While effective control can be carried out using bio-control agents, it’s usually necessary to
augment all management techniques with mechanical removal, which gives an opportunity for use of
removed weeds.
Removal and utilisation is being taken as an essential intervention approach towards control and
management of the weed. It involves the communities directly in this effort. It provides the opportunity
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for households and villages to benefit directly by using available plant fibres to produce saleable products
e.g chairs, lamp shed, baskets, ornaments, etc.
(m) Future Prospect :
1. Government of Assam has already taken initiative to set up one Common facility
Services Centre for Water Hyacinth products at Morigaon and its construction activities are going on.
This centre will generate the skilled manpower for this craft.
2. Based on the availability of raw materials (at free of cost) , massive training camps ,
design workshops, etc need to be arranged in some selected districts like Morigaon , Dhubri, Nagaon,
Goalpara , Darrang, Kamrup Sivasagar etc.
3. The programme should arrange to create Clusters in future.
4.33 Areca Nut Leaf ( Tamulor Dhakuwa)
The Arecanut palm is one of the important commercial crops of Assam. Though the betel nut is
used widely in various forms yet the sheath attached to the leaf of areca nut tree is not used for any
productive purpose except as partitions in the village area. It is a hard material and has good tensile
strength and is available in abundance in most parts of Assam.
Arecanut sheaths (Tamulor Dhakuwa) can be utilised for manufacturing disposable plates and
bowls. Such plates are being produced in South India since the last 7 years and sold commonly in the
market . Dhriti, an NGO, has been working on these products the Assam since the last 3 years. Presently
39 units have been promoted by Dhriti in Barpeta, Baksa, Bongaigoan, Karbi-Anglong, Jorhat and
Golaghat districts of Assam.
The products manufactured are plates and bowls of different shapes and sizes, made out of arecanut
sheaths. These disposable utensils can be used for serving food. Some of the highlights of these products
are as follows:
Completely Eco-friendly, Biodegradable and Hygienic.
Sturdy and not easily crushable and at the same time very light in weight.
Microwave usable.
Can be easily moulded into different shapes and can hold liquid for 4-6 hours.
Natural and attractive appearance.
There are more than 70000 hectares of arecanut plantation in Assam. Around 10 sheaths fall from
each areca nut plant every year. Thus there is abundant raw material available to produce these plates.
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The following table shows the raw material potential in Assam. Availability of raw material is given
below:
Table 4.20Raw Material supply potential in Assam
Sl no
Particulars Quantity/area
1 Total plantation of Areca nut in these Areas (in Hect) 705422 Total no. of Areca nut trees 1058130003 Approximate no. of sheaths per tree 104 Total no. of sheaths available 10581300005 If 30% of this resource (areca nut sheaths) can be tapped 3174390006 No. of sheaths required in each unit per year (example) 1000007 No of manufacturing units that can be set up 3174
Source: Dhiriti, Barpeta
The plates can be produced easily using a heat-press machine which is available in India. The
entrepreneurs need to collect the raw material (areca nut sheaths), sun dry them and store them before
production. The sheaths can be stored for 9-12 months without damage.
This product is an excellent substitute for thermocol and plastic plates which has huge demand in
the market. A marketing company formed by Dhiriiti named Tambul Plate Marketing Company (TPMC)
provides 100% buy back guarantee of products to all producers.
4.34 Energy resources
(a) Installed Capacity and Generation of Power
The installed capacity of generating plants at present in the state is 401.5 MW which include
Coal, Hydel and Gas Plants of the State. The installed capacity for generating power has come down due
to de-commissioning of Bongaigaon Thermal Power Station (BTPS) and Mobile GT sets and de-rating of
age-old units of Namrup (NTPS).
TABLE – 4.21INSTALLED CAPACITY AND POWER GENERATION BY ASEB (IN MILLION UNITS)
PARTICULARS 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11Installed capacity of Generating Plants (MW) Thermal (coal/oil) 60.00 60.00 60.00 Hydel 102.00 102.00 102.00 Gas 239.50 239.50 239.50 Total 401.50 401.50 401.50Gross Unit Generated (MU) Thermal (coal/oil) 0.00 0.00 0.00 Hydel 434.40 401.910 409.492 Gas 1248.20 1310.298 1298.270 Total 1682.820 1712.208 1707.762 PARTICULARS 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11
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Auxiliary Consumption (MU) Thermal (coal/oil) 0.00 0.00 0.00 Hydel 0.788 0.821 0.796 Gas 52.162 57.029 61.324 Total 52.950 57.85 62.12Net Unit Generation (MU) Thermal (coal/oil) 0.00 0.00 0.00 Hydel 433.61 401.089 408.696 Gas 1196.26 1253.269 1236.946 Total 1629.87 1654.358 1645.642Source: Assam Power Distribution Company Limited.
The peak demand for power in the state has increased significantly in the last decade. Against the
estimated peak demand of 1150 MW, the total power available is around 820 MW including states’s own
generation of around 280 MW and share of around 540 MW actually received from Central Sector
generating stations against allocation of 780 MW. The state is facing an average deficit of around 300
MW. Inspite of purchase of 150-200 MW of power during peak hours at a high cost, there still remains a
deficit of 100-150 MW. The implementation of two central sector projects namely 726 MW Palatana
Power project of ONGC ( at Tripura) and 750 MW of Bongaigaon Thermal Power Plant of NTPC are at
advance stages. After full commissioning of the two projects, it will be possible to meet the growing
demand of power in the state. A big substation of Power Grid Corporation of India is under construction
at Srikona in Cachar district and expected to be commissioned soon.
The 37 MW Lakowa Waste heat project under APGCL was commissioned in December, 2011. It
is also proposed to start the construction of Lower Kopili project within 2012 after getting clearances
from the Central Electricity Authority. The implementation of the 100 MW Namrup replacement power
project is going on in full swing and it is expected to be commissioned within 2013-14.
The per capita availability for the last few years is shown in the following table.
TABLE: 4.22PER CAPITA AVAILABILITY STATUS
(Million Unit Kwh)Year Gross electrical energy availability
(MU)*Population
Per capita availability status (Kwh)
2005-06 3267.87 28506000 1152006-07 3344.30 28896000 1162007-08 4013.62 29282000 1372008-09 4270.00 29660000 1442009-10 4590.00 30037000 1532010-11 5028.00 30413000 168*Estimated on projected population : Source: Commercial Wing of ASEB.
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4.35 Tea & Allied
The Assam tea industry accounts for more than 50 per cent of India's total tea production.
Assam's biggest contribution to the world is its tea. Assam produces some of the finest teas in the world.
The tea industry developed by the British planters brought labor from Bihar and Orissa and their
descendents form a significant demographic group in the state. The tea plantations are mainly
concentrated in upper Assam, Barak valley and central Assam. All the garden labors are from the
‘adivasi’ community, which is the lifeline of the tea gardens. Demographically, tea garden labour
community of Assam represents around 15 per cent of the total population of the state accounting for
more than 45 and is one of the biggest contributors to the organised workforce as well as to the economy
of Assam. About 10 lakh workers are working in various tea gardens ( both in organized & Small tea
garden) of Assam. About 17 per cent of workers in Assam are engaged in tea industry and around 50 per
cent of the total tea plantation workforce in Assam is women. The State has more than 850 organized
sector tea gardens & more than 78000 small tea gardens spread over Assam in 500 thousand hectares of
land , producing on an average 550 million Kgs of Tea every year. Assam has 492 Tea factories under
organized sector and 226 bought leaf factories. There are 7 small tea factories producing orthodox tea in
upper Assam. These are located at Tinsukia district only.
(a) Requirement of some articles in the Tea Gardens:To run the tea factories as well as plantations of tea , there is need of several items which have the
possibility to induce new industries or business ventures. According to one source, requirements in the
