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CHAPTER IX

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

9.1 Summary

The entire research work on the agricultural development in Nagaon District, Assam

has been presented in the foregoing analysis. It is felt that a coherent development

programme is deemed necessary for the district, firstly because it has immense agricultural

potentiality and secondly, because the peasants who put the land to use are of

heterogeneous socio-economic background and their number is increasing rapidly.

The whole research work is organized into nine chapters. Chapter I includes the

introductory aspects of the central theme of the study containing the statement of the

problem, objectives of the study, research questions, database and methodology, review of

literature, organization of the work and terms and terminology used in the research work. It

is important to note that various sources of maps and other primary and secondary

information and methods of collecting primary and secondary data are clearly mentioned in

the chapter. Moreover, a brief review of works on agricultural geography by different

scholars and geographers at international, national, regional and local level is also done

here.

Chapter II deals with geographical background of the study area. It covers physical

background mainly location of the study area, physiography and drainage, climate, soil,

natural vegetation, while socio-economic background has been analyzed in terms of the

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themes on population, industries, land revenue administration etc. The historical

background of the study area is also included in this chapter. An analysis of the

physiography and drainage has been made which shows that the district is endowed with a

fairly large flat plain covering its northern and the middle parts with sufficient water

resources favourable for cultivation of varieties of crops. The areas adjoining the

surrounding plateaus have perceptible high gradient. It is important to note that the level of

the bed of the Brahmaputra, where the river enters the boundary of Nagaon is 67 m above

M.S.L. The study area reveals that 28 percent of the district is above 67 m, while the

remaining part is between 52 m. The areas above 67 m are foothill areas of erosional origin

with perceptible slope, except in the Kapili-Dimaru region in the south east, which is a

platform. The remaining part of the district lying below 67 m forms the alluvial plain of

depositional origin and it is criss-crossed by numerous streams and dotted with ox-bow

lakes, beels etc. The main rivers in the district flow towards the north-western part being

sub-parallel to the Brahmaputra. The important rivers are Kalong, Kapili, Nishari, Jamuna,

Haria, Lutumari etc. Along with slope and soil characteristic rainfall is the most important

factor influencing the growth of crops. Due to the peculiar geographical location, the south-

eastern part of the district suffers from a rain shadow effect. The present agricultural

landscape is essentially the product of the monsoon, which is erratic in nature. Thus, there

is even crop failure at times due to non-availability of water in the proper cropping season.

The soil of the district shows that a major part of it has alluvial soils ranging from sandy

loam to clayey sandy loam, where maximum yield can be expected with the application of

fertilizer and water supply, as and when necessary. Continuous tilling of the area has

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resulted in the depletion of soil fertility, and thus yield is bound to come down, if no

fertilizer or manure is added. The soil of the foothills offer a better scope for development

of tea plantation.

The district has a phenomenal growth of population during the 2nd

half of the

twentieth century. This is due partly to the natural growth and partly to the result of

immigration from the East Bengal (present Bangladesh) which has created acute shortage

of land. The agricultural density of Nagaon district has significantly increased within a

period of thirty years from 602 persons/ km2 in 1971 to 877 persons/ km

2 in 2001, while

Assam has recorded only 542 persons/ km2 in 1971 and rose to 844 persons/ km

2 in 2001

which are lower than that of Nagaon district. As there is no major industry in the district,

the density as stated, indicates a high pressure of population on the agricultural land. So far

the physiological density of population of the district is concerned, it may be mentioned

that during a period of thirty years, the district has recorded 662 persons/ km2 in 1971,

which increased to 987 persons/ km2 in 2001, while Assam has recorded 654 persons/ km

2

in 1971 and 975 persons/ km2 in 2001. Comparatively the physiological density of

population in Assam was low. Moreover, the age structure with relatively high proportion

in the younger group indicates a high dependency burden on the peasants. It is further

noticed that there is a little scope for horizontal expansion of agricultural land in the

district. On the other hand, level of literacy is low which hinders for innovation of

agriculture. The level of urbanization is low and most of people are ruralities. It is further

seen that the immigrant peasants are laborious and hard working and they contribute

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substantially to the agricultural economy by producing jute, vegetables, commercial crops

and some other cash crops.

The history of land revenue administration of the district dates back to 1886 with

the introduction of Assam Land Revenue Regulation Act by the Colonial British

administration. The present Nagaon district was an integral part of Kamrupa during the

reign of the Varman kings. After this it was ruled by the Salastambhas and the Palas. The

Allahabad pillar inscription of Samudra Gupta (330-380 A.D.) refers to Kamrupa and

Dabaka as frontier Kingdoms. In the thirteenth century A.D., King Arimatta of the Jitari

family conquered Nagaon and extended his kingdom up to Majuli in Sibsagar district. The

fort near Raha was erected by Jongalbalahu known ‘Jangalbalahu Garh’. In the middle of

the sixteen century the northern part of Nagaon began to pass into the sphere of Ahom

influence, but it was under the control of the Koches, the Muhammadans and the Kacharis

at different time periods. In 1685 the Muhammadans were finally expelled by the Ahom not

only from the Nagaon district but also from entire Kamrupa. Since then it continued to be

under the rule of the Ahoms till 1826. In the year 1833 Nagaon became a separate district

of Assam. Finally, in 1973 Nagaon district was declared as a separate district with three

sub-divisions, viz. Nagaon, Kaliabor and Hojai. The agriculture of the district is subsistence

in nature due to the paik system introduced during Ahom rule.

Chapter III deals with the factors of landuse and agricultural development. Among

the physical factors, the most important are flood and drought which cause severe distress

to the peasants at the time of both kharif and rabi crop cultivation. Concentration of rainfall

to the summer days, the bowl shaped relief and extremely low gradient of the Brahmaputra

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and its tributaries in the district together cause heavy floods. Often, the standing crops are

damaged and the riverine tract are rendered unfit for cultivation through extensive bank

erosion and sand deposition. In order lessen the damages caused by the floods, some

embankments have been constructed. As these are constructed without a proper study of the

hydrological behaviour of the rivers and the geomorphology of the area there has been

breach of embankment frequently. This has debarred some areas from natural

replenishment of fertility through silting on one hand caused by unusual flood havoc along

the banks of the Brahmaputra on the other. Besides flood, the effect of prolonged drought

can also not be neglected. The irrigational facilities are not only localized so far, but also

inadequate, especially during the long and continuous rainless season.

Among the socio-economic factors population pressure on agricultural land, small

size of operational holdings and fragmentation of holdings, labour force, capital investment

in agriculture, transport and communication and marketing etc. are important. Out of these

factors labour is plays an important role in the present agricultural development pattern.

The total agricultural labourers of Nagaon district recorded as 86,087 persons in 2001, out

of them 85,137 are rural agricultural labourers and 950 are urban agricultural labourers.

According to 2001 census the literacy rate of Nagaon district shows only 61.73 percent. It

is observed that out of literate cultivators, only a small proportion of agricultural workers

having technical skill. That is the major constraints for development of agriculture in the

district.

The capital investment in agriculture in the district except on land, is extremely low.

It is found that 82.3 percent of the total value of operational assets used per hectare is

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claimed by land alone, leaving only 17.7 percent for other inputs excluding the labour put

in by peasant and his family members. Little attention is paid to better seeds, fertilizers,

manures, insecticides, pesticides and other inputs. These are some of the causes of the static

production and a very low capital turn over (one –fifth of the investment) in the district.

The small farmers, therefore, do not have any marketable surplus production to enable them

to purchase inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, etc.

Transport and communication plays an important role in the district. Two National

Highway passess through the district. National Highway 37 passes from west to east

through the district and another National Highway 36 passes through the district and

connecting Dimapur. With the help of World Bank finance, the Central Government has

already constructed four line roads for better communication in the district which however

have been converted some agricultural areas to roads. Moreover, railway connection in the

district also plays a significant role in the agricultural development of the district.

Agricultural marketing is carried out in the district through both free and state

controlled markets. These markets do provide incentive to the peasants for growing crops.

But, the middleman, in the process of marketing take away a large share reducing the

income of the producers. The government marketing agencies again offer a low price to

their products. However, the transport network and market price have come to play a

perceptible role in the agricultural development in the study area.

Chapter IV discusses the landuse pattern of the district and changes in different

landuse categories over the last two decades. It is observed that landuse/ landcover mapping

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has immense importance in development plan formulation, as land is the base upon which

all kinds of developmental activities are carried on.

It is clearly observed that the forest cover of the district has declined from 19.19

percent in 1990-91 to 16.87 percent in 2005-06. The decrease in forest cover from

67,060.26 hectares area in 1990-91 to 58,964.77 hectares in 2005-06 was experienced

during 15 years due to conversion of forest land to settled area, especially homestead area

as well as agricultural land to mitigate the growing population pressure on land. Moreover,

some forest areas are cleared for construction four line high way. The land not available for

cultivation includes land put to non agricultural uses and barren and uncultivated land

which was recorded 4.78 percent in 1990-91 and declined to 4.09 percent in 2005-06. Out

of the total geographical area of the district, cultivable waste land covered 4.46 percent of

the area in 1990-91 which decreased to 3.51 percent in 2005-06. However, this is the only

category of land which offers opportunity for expansion of agricultural land. It is observed

that out of the total geographical area of the district the fallow land increased from 1.92

percent in 1990-91 to 1.93 percent in 2005-06. It may be noted here that due to pressure of

population in the district the fallow land has been gradually converted to agricultural land.

The net area sown in the district has a special significance because agricultural

production and food supply largely depend on this type of land. The net area sown of the

district has slightly increased from 52.36 percent in 1990-91 to 57.46 percent in 2005-06. It

is further observed that there has been spatio temporal changes in area under different crops

in Nagaon district. The gross cropped area had been changing from 1985-86 to 2005-06. In

1985-86 it recorded only 2,75,767.58 hectares and slightly decreased to 2,57,108.82

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hectares in 1990-91 and it again rose to 2,62,560.03 hectares in 1995-96. Again it is seen

that in 2000-01 the total gross cropped area had been slightly increased to 2,72,670.34

hectares. The increasing trend continued and become 3,15,667.3 hectares in 2005-06. It is

important that during the 20 years period the gross cropped area though recorded

significant increase in the district, there has been fluctuation in respect of area mainly

because of climatic condition prevalent in the study area. The cereals covered largest

proportion of area among all other crops. It is observed in 1985-86 the cereals occupied

2,00,953.13 hectares claiming as high as 72.87 percent of the total cropped area of the

district which slightly decreased to 1,86,228.76 hectares covering 72.43 percent of the

district in 1990-91. Interestingly a slight decline is observed in 1995-96 in respect of area

under cereal which is recording 1,84,071.15 hectares covering 70.11 percent of the total

cropped area which however slightly increased to 1,95,839.67 hectares covering 71.82

percent in 2000-01. There has been significant increase in area under cereals from 2000-01

to 2005-06. Though the area under cereals was increased from 2,00,953.13 hectares in

1985-86 to 2,17,326.07 hectares to claiming 68.84 percent in the year 2005-06. The

proportional area under cereal is not recorded an increase because of expansion of area

under agriculture on the one hand and importance of some cash crops on the other.

However, the above analysis clearly shows that within the period of twenty years the area

under cereals has been increasing from 2,00,953.13 hectares in 1985-86 to 2,17,326.07

hectares in 2005-06. Out of the all revenue circle the highest area under cereals is recorded

by Lanka revenue circle covering 87.44 percent of the total cropped area in 1985-86. After

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20 years gap, i.e. 2005-06 the highest cereals area is recorded by Kampur revenue circle

which recorded 87.50 percent of the total cropped area of the district.

Rice is the dominant crop in all the revenue circles. Among the revenue circles the

highest proportion of rice area is recorded by Lanka revenue circle in 1985-86. Out of the

total cropped area 85.22 percent is covered by rice alone in the circle which is followed by

Kampur revenue circle claiming 81.40 percent and Raha revenue circle (80.95 percent). It

is lowest in Samaguri revenue circle (57.70 percent). After two decade i.e. in 2005-06 there

is significant change in respect of area under rice cultivation. The highest is claimed by

Kampur revenue circle i.e. 85.49 percent and the lowest is claimed by Kaliabor revenue

circle with 46.11 percent, due to the conversion of rice area to commercial crops like

patchouli, banana plantation, lemon grass and small tea garden etc.

Pulses are also important food crops. The pulses are like gram, tur (arhar) and rabi

pulses such as lentil (Masur), blackgram (Matikalai), greengram (Moong), pea (Matar) etc.

are cultivated in the district. The area under pulses have been recording fluctuation during

the 20 years period. In 1985-86 the area under pulses was 12,070.48 hectares claiming 4.38

percent of the total cropped area while in 1990-91 the area under pulses declined to

11,337.81 hectares claiming only 4.14 percent of the total cropped area. During this period

the study area had suffered from severe flood problems. In 1995-96 the pulses area has

recorded only 8,359.76 hectares claiming 3.18 percent. In 2000-01 the area under pulses

again rose to 11,573.01 hectares covering 4.24 percent which shows a slight growth. In

2005-06 the area under pulses has increased to 14,225.87 hectares and claimed 4.51 percent

of the total cropped area. Thus, during the period under study the area under pulses

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recorded a slight increased from 12,070.48 hectares in 1985-86 to 14,225.87 hectares in

2005-06. Among the revenue circles the highest proportion of the area under pulses is

recorded by Nagaon Sadar revenue circles in 1985-86. Out of the total cropped area 11.13

percent is covered by pulses along in this revenue circle which is followed by Samaguri

revenue circle claiming 6.66 percent in 1985-86. After twenty years gap i.e. in 2005-06

there is significant change in respect of area under pulses cultivation. The highest area is

claimed by Lanka revenue circle which recorded only 11.16 percent in 2005-06. Due to

urbanization of Nagaon Sadar revenue circle the farmers gave least interest in pulses.

The major horticultural crops cultivated in the district are viz. fruits, vegetables,

coconuts, areca nut etc. In 1985-86 the horticultural crops occupied 17,364.61 hectares

claiming 6.30 percent which decreased to 14,394.86 hectares claiming 5.60 percent in

1990-91. During the next period of five years interval i.e.1995-96 the area under

horticultural crops recorded significant increase to 25,378.31 hectares covering 9.67

percent of the total cropped area. In 2000-01 the area under horticultural crops again

recorded decline to 19,115.97 hectares covering 7.01 percent and in 2005-06 the area

increased to 31,534.25 hectares covering 9.99 percent of the total cropped area. It is

important that during the twenty years period the horticultural crops area though recorded

significant increase in the district, there has been fluctuation in respect of area mainly

because of climatic condition prevailing especially rainfall in the study area. Moreover,

among all the revenue circles the highest proportion of the area under horticultural crops is

recorded by Samaguri revenue circles i.e.8.72 percent in 1985-86 which is followed by

Nagaon Sadar revenue circle i.e. 7.67 percent in 1985-86. After twenty years gap i.e. in

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2005-06 there is significant change in respect of area under horticultural crops cultivation.

The highest area is claimed by Kaliabor revenue circle which recorded only 19.69 percent

in 2005-06 followed by Lanka revenue circle recorded only 14.90 percent of the total

cropped area of the district. The horticultural crops for domestic purposes as well as

commercial purposes have been becoming popular now a days among all sections of

peasants.

Oilseeds, viz. rape and mustard, occupied 11,332.53 hectares covering 4.11 percent

of the total cropped area of the district in 1985-86, while it decreased to 10,281.24 hectares

claiming 3.99 percent in 1990-91. In 1995-96 and 2000-01 the oilseeds area has slightly

increased to 11,300.62 hectares covering 4.30 percent and 11,863.29 hectares covering 4.35

percent respectively. In 2005-06 the oilseeds area again increased to 14,258.61 hectares

claiming 4.52 percent of the total cropped area. As a result, within twenty years the oilseeds

area has been increasing from 11,332.53 hectares in 1985-86 to 14,258.61 hectares in

2005-06. Among the revenue circles the highest proportion of the area under oilseeds is

recorded by Nagaon Sadar revenue circles in 1985-86. Out of the total cropped the highest

area claiming 5.89 percent is covered by oilseeds in this revenue circle which is followed

by Kaliabor and Samaguri revenue circles which recorded 4.47 percent and 4.36 percent

respectively. After twenty years gap i.e. in 2005-06 there is significant change in respect of

area under oilseeds cultivation. The highest area is claimed by Dhing revenue circle which

recorded only 11.18 percent followed by Nagaon Sadar revenue circle recorded only 7.49

percent of the total cropped area of the district.

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The major cash crops cultivated in the district are mainly jute and vegetables. The

cash crops jute is the most important cash crops. In 1985-86 the district has recorded

28,520.77 hectares of land under cash crops claiming 10.34 percent of the total cropped

area of the district. In 1990-91 the cash crops occupied 31,508.65 hectares claiming 12.26

percent while in 1995-96 the area has decreased to 30,079.84 hectares covering 11.46

percent of the total cropped area, after five year i.e. in 2000-01 and in 2005-06 area under

cash crops again increased to 31,444.95 hectares claiming 11.54 percent of the area. In

2005-06 again the area under cash crops increased to 35,595.59 hectares. Thus, the above

analysis shows that within twenty years period the cash cropped area has increased from

28,520.77 hectares in 1985-86 to 35,595.59 hectares in 2005-06. It is interesting to note that

from cash crops the farmers earning cash therefore farmers take special interest to cultivate

cash crops on commercial basis. Among all the revenue circles the highest proportion of the

area under cash crop is recorded by Kaliabor revenue circles in 1985-86 claiming 17.75

percent of the total cropped area which is followed by Dhing and Samaguri revenue circles

which recorded only 16.97 percent and 14.36 percent respectively. After twenty years gap,

i.e. in 2005-06 there is significant change in respect of area under cash crops. The highest

area is claimed by Kaliabor revenue circle claiming 25.27 percent followed by Samaguri

revenue circle covering 14.09 percent of the total cropped area of the revenue circle. The

Muslim peasants of immigrant origin are also interested to cultivate cash crops mainly jute

and vegetables for earning money. Moreover, young educated youths also are motivated to

cultivate cash crops especially banana plantation, patchouli and small tea gardens on

commercial basis in their agricultural field.

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The other crops, viz. sweet potato, topiocana, sunleeap etc. occupied a small

proportion of area of the district. In1985-86 these occupy 5,526.06 hectares claiming 2

percent of the total cropped area. In 1990-91 the area under these crops declined to 3,357.5

hectares covering 1.31 percent of the total cropped area. In 1995-96 there was a slight

increase in the area under these crops recording 3,370.35 hectares covering 1.28 percent of

the total cropped area and in 2000-01 and 2005-06 the area decreased to 2,833.45 hectares

claiming 1.04 percent and 2,726.91 hectares covering 0.86 percent respectively. As a result

within twenty years period the other cropped area have gradually decreased from 5,526.06

hectares in 1985-86 to 2,726.91 hectares in 2005-06. Further reveals that there has been

significant temporal variation. Moreover, among all the revenue circles the highest

proportion of the area under other crops is recorded by Samaguri revenue circles in

1985-86. Out of the total cropped area, the highest area is recorded by the above mentioned

other crops in this revenue circle. After twenty years gap, i.e. in 2005-06 there is significant

change in respect of area under other crops. The highest area is claimed by Rupahi revenue

circle which recorded only 2.07 percent. It is happened due to least interest of the farmers

to cultivate these crops in the study area. It is further noticed that area under these crops has

been declining because majority of the peasants are interested to cultivate vegetables, small

tea gardens and other plantation crops which are cash earning.

Chapter V deals with the cropping pattern, crop combination analysis, intensity of

cropping, crop concentration, diversification of cropping, introduction of commercial crops

and crop rotation and interculture during the last twenty years in the study area. It is seen

that rice is the principal food-grain crop as it is staple food of the people in the region. In

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1985-86 the rice area was cultivated over 1,94,449.74 hectares of land but in 1990-91 it

decrease to 1,80,174.71 hectares and in 1995-96 the area under rice is again a decline to

recorded 1,74,692.96 hectares. However, in 2000-01 and in 2004-05 the area under rice is

increased to 1,89,599.64 hectares and it increased to 2,12,279.54 hectares in 2005-06. In

comparison to the base year 1985-86 the rice crop registered a positive trend. This is mainly

due to demand of the growing population for rice which is the staple food of the region. On

the other hand wheat occupies a small share of agricultural land. This crop is very

insignificant in the district because wheat is cultivated in winter, which is dry and irrigation

facilities in the district is not available in major part of the areas to cultivate this crop

during the winter season. Pulses occupies a small portion of the area of the district’s total

cropped area. Pulses occupy 12,070.48 hectare of the total cropped area in 1985-86. From

1990-91 to 1995-96 the trend was negative as pulses showed a decrease to 11,337.81

hectares and 8,359.76 hectares respectively. However, from the year 1995 onward the area

under pulses recorded a positive trend. In 2000-01 pulses occupied only 11,573.01 hectares

while in 2005-06 it occupied 14,225.87 hectares of land.

Oilseeds occupied a small proportion of the total cropped area of the district.

Among oilseeds the rape & mustard alone occupied more than 90 percent of area under

oilseeds. It is seen that the area under oilseeds was 11,332.53 hectares in 1985-86, in

1990-91 the area was slightly increased to 10,281.24 hectares. Again from 1995-96 to

2005-06 the area under oilseeds recorded an increase to14,258.61 hectares. On the other

hand sugarcane occupied only a small proportion of the total cropped area. The district

recorded 4,090.62 hectares land in 1985-86 which slightly increased to 4,722.73 hectares in

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1990-91. Interestingly in the next five years i.e. in 1995-96 the area under oilseeds showed

a slight decline to 4,644.6 hectares and in next five year recorded again decline to 4,354.32

hectares in 2000-01. However, the area under sugarcane again increased to 4,947.14

hectares in 2005-06.

Jute is the important cash crop of Nagaon district. Compared with the base year of

1985-86 the jute area shows a decline in 2005-06. It is found that jute occupied 12,643.3

hectares of cultivated land. It is very important to note that in the year 1990-91 the jute area

occupied only 844.97 hectares in Nagaon district. It shows a decline trend due to low

market price of jute and also the importance. However, 1995-96 the jute area again

increased recording 10,823.22 hectares and in 2005-06 area under jute declined to

10,141.73 hectares. It may be noted here that from 2000-01 to 2005-06 the jute area has

recorded a decline in Nagaon district.

Crop-combination is presented by ranking method, in this chapter. It is observed

that the significant spatial variation in the number of crops in the combination from one

revenue circle to another revenue circle. Three revenue circles, viz. Nagaon Sadar, Raha

and Lanka recorded as high with nine crops in the combination while the two revenue

circles in the north-eastern part of the district i.e. Kaliabor and Samaguri had eight crops in

the combination and another seven crops in the combination were recorded by Hojai and

Doboka revenue circles i.e. south-eastern part of the district. The another three revenue

circles, namely Rupahi, Dhing and Kampur have recorded six crops combination region. It

is seen that diversification is more in the central part. The north-eastern and south–eastern

parts of the district are less than in the north–western part of the district.

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So far the Nelson’s method of crop-combination is concerned in 2005-06, the

Samaguri, Raha and Kampur revenue circles recorded as mono-cropped area with oilseeds

as single crop in the combination in Samaguri revenue circle, and rice is the single crop in

the combination because Raha, Samaguri and Kampur revenue circles are flood affected

areas. On the other hand Kaliabor, Nagaon Sadar and Doboka revenue circles recorded

three crops combination region. Fruits, nuts and vegetables are the three crops in the

combination in Kaliabor revenue circle. Rice, nuts and oilseeds are the crops in the

combination in Nagaon Sadar and rice, vegetables and pulses are the three crops in the

combination in Doboka revenue circle while rice, vegetables and pulses crops in the

combination in the district. Crop diversification is common in these areas because of

suitable geo-environmental conditions in favour of the district. Four crops in the

combination is recorded by two revenue circles, viz. Rupahi, and Dhing. In Rupahi revenue

circle fruits, vegetables, spices and pulses are in the four crops in the combination while

Dhing, fruits, pulses, vegetables and oilseeds are the crops in the combination. The main

finding in this analysis is that in spite of the importance of rice and considerable areal

coverage under rice it never ranked first in any of the revenue circles. On the other hand,

Hojai and Lanka which are dominated by Muslim peasants of immigrant origin have six

crop combinations. In Hojai revenue circle rice, pulses, fruits, vegetables, oilseeds and

spices are in the combination while Lanka revenue circle pulses, sugarcane, fruits,

vegetables, nuts and spices are the crops in the combination. As a result, the south-eastern

side of the district has multiple cropping pattern. It is a good indicator for development of

agriculture in the district.

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The changing pattern of intensity of cropping in different revenue circles in Nagaon

district has been discussed for a period of twenty years from 1985-86 to 2005-06. The

intensity of cropping has recorded a decreasing trend from 125.04 percent in 1985-86 to

115.99 percent in 2005-06. The intensity of cropping is found very low less than 130

percent in all the revenue circle except Nagaon Sadar revenue circle in 2005-06. The

Kaliabor, Samaguri, Raha, Kampur and Lanka revenue circles have recorded a weak

situation in respect of intensity of cropping in 2000-01. In 1995-96 the intensity of cropping

was less than 130 percent in all the revenue circles except Dhing and Rupahi revenue

circles and in 1990-91 all the revenue circles recorded a very low cropping intensity

indicating weak situation in respect of agricultural landuse. In 1985-86 Nagaon Sadar,

Dhing and Lanka revenue circles recorded better intensity of cropping. It is also found that

there is a strong positive correlation (r = +0.90) between intensity of cropping and rural

population density. It is clear that the intensity of cropping has increased because of

increasing demand of agricultural products.

So far concentration of major crops is concerned, it to be noted that rice being the

staple food of the area and due to homogeneity of soil and climatic condition it is cultivated

in almost all parts of the district. However, statistical analysis reveals that rice

concentration with L.Q. value 0.50-1.00 is found in northern part of the district and

concentration value 1.00-1.50 is found in central and western part of the district. As regard

to pulses Lanka revenue circle registers very high concentration, while in the case of

oilseeds highest concentration is found in Dhing revenue circle. On the other hand, in the

case of fibre crop the highest concentration is recorded in Nagaon Sadar and Lanka revenue

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circles. In the case of vegetables the highest concentration is recorded only in Rupahi

revenue circle.

So far the crop diversification is concerned, almost all revenue circles recorded

diversified cropping pattern. In subsistence economy peasants use to cultivate a large

number of crops depending on their need for consumption. There is nominal spatial

variation in respect of crop diversification, because peasants from general caste or tribal

groups cultivate at least 8 to 10 crops in an agricultural year. The study of crop

diversification in study area reveals that in 1985-86 only two revenue circles, viz. Kaliabor

and Nagaon Sadar show ‘highest’ degree of diversification. The remaining six revenue

circles, viz. Samaguri, Dhing, Raha, Kampur, Hojai and Lanka show only ‘medium’ degree

of diversification. If compared the data of 1995-96 with that of 2005-06 it is very clear that

the Kaliabor, Samaguri, Nagaon Sadar and Lanka record ‘highest’ degree of diversification.

The ‘medium’ degree of diversification also remain same in Rupahi revenue circle in both

the years. It may be mentioned here that Dhing and Kampur revenue circles recorded

‘medium’ degree of diversification in 1995-96. But after 10 years gap it recorded ‘low’

degree of diversification. Raha revenue circle recorded ‘medium’ degree of diversification

in 1995-96 and after 10 years gap, i.e. 2005-06 they have recorded ‘high’ degree of

diversification. Out of 10 revenue circles five revenue circles show ‘high’ degree of

diversification, viz. Kaliabor, Samaguri, Nagaon Sadar, Raha and Lanka, three revenue

circles, viz. Rupahi, Hojai and Doboka show ‘medium’ degree of diversification and two

revenue namely Dhing and Kampur show ‘low’ degree of diversification. In the case of

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intensive agriculture greater diversification of crops is an indicator of agricultural

modernization.

Chapter VI is concerned with level of adoption of innovative agricultural practices

like cultivation of HYV of crops, irrigation practices, use of manures and fertilizers, crop

rotation measures and infrastructural facilities etc. available at of different revenue circles

of the district. It is seen that in Nagaon district, a good response is found among the farmers

in respect of the use of HYV seeds, which topped first among all the district of Assam. The

Lanka revenue circle recorded the highest proportion of area under HYV rice recording as

high as 76.90 percent of the total rice area is devoted to HYV crops, followed by Hojai

(70.17 percent), Kaliabor (68.03 percent) and Dhing (64.57 percent) It may be noted here

that importance of HYV of rice has been gaining ground in the district. From the field study

it is very clear that varieties of HYV rice, viz. Ranjit, Masuri, Bahadur, Pankaj, Basmati,

Jaya, Biplav, Harkona, Purabenu, Mala, Pussa, Krishna, Lalbihari, Forma, Dariya and Gaya

etc. are cultivated in Nagaon district. Moreover, new commercial crops are cultivated in the

study area like patchouli, citronella, lemon grass, wild grass, etc. by the educated

unemployed youths of Assamese people. Thus, more and more areas are converted to

agricultural land to mitigate the demand of the growing population and agricultural landuse

has been also changing with introduction of cash crops, plantation crops etc. In respect of

irrigated area, the Nagaon Sadar and Kampur revenue circles exhibits lowest percentage of

irrigated area to total cropped area, which are dominated mostly by indigenous people and

this has considerable negative impact over the agricultural development. On the other hand,

revenue circle wise fertilizer consumption in the district show that maximum percentage of

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farm families use fertilizer recording as high as 86.15 percent of the total farm families in

agriculture in the year 2009-2010.

Chapter VII deals with attitude of peasants of different social groups towards

agricultural landuse and development in 28 selected villages of Nagaon district. Here, main

focus is given on social group wise reflection on landholding structure, cropping pattern,

innovation in agriculture and agricultural landuse pattern of the study area. From the field

survey it is clear that rice is the dominant food crop among all the social groups in the

district. Besides rice, the indigenous general Hindu produces pulses in significantly high

cultivated areas. But in the case of other crops, they maintain a self-subsistence character.

One important aspect regarding agricultural innovation is that, indigenous general Hindu

cultivators have devoted highest proportion of area for cultivation of non traditional high

market value crops. Among them, small scale tea plantation, commercial production of

banana, patchouli, citronella, lemon grass and wild grass are important.

The Muslim peasants of immigrant origin have been using innovative measure in

agriculture in a very extensive way because they are mostly agricultural people and very

hard worker. They are interested in cultivation of vegetables, pulses, oilseeds and jute on

commercial basis. Most of the vegetables are produced in the char and chapari areas and

are marketed in the nearby market centers or urban centers. From the field observation it is

very clear that the Muslim peasants of immigrant origin use to cultivate vegetables in char

areas of the Brahmaputra river during last three decades. With high degree of

mechanization and innovative practices, this social group is treated as highly commercially

motivated agricultural group of the district. They are highly sensitive towards the new

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developments and prospects towards enhancing productivity and cropping intensity. The

indigenous Muslim peasants show least interest in mechanization and agricultural

innovation in their agricultural field. They give more importance mostly on rice cultivation.

Next to rice, this social group cultivate sugarcane, pulses and oilseeds etc. in their

agricultural fields. Cultivation of commercial crop is not very significant in the areas

dominated by the above mentioned group.

The Scheduled Caste people are very indifferent for agricultural innovation because

only a small section of them are agricultural people. Although Scheduled Caste people are

mainly engaged in fishing occupation in the district. A small section of Scheduled Caste

people give more emphasis on cultivation of food crops especially rice than any other

crops.

The other social groups include Satnami, Manipuri and Nepali. They are immigrant

Hindu. They cultivate rice which occupies 71.04 percent of the total cropped area. In

addition to rice, others social groups give importance on cultivation of vegetables

especially for their consumption.

Chapter VIII discusses the pattern of agriculture development in the district. Here,

the main focus is given to agricultural productivity and spatial pattern of level of

agricultural development. It is observed from the field survey that the highest agricultural

productivity is found in Kaliabor revenue circle. Rice is the leading crop in the region

where the farmers obtain two or three harvests of paddy in a year. Next to rice jute and

sugarcane are the important crops. Moreover, highest vegetables production is found in

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some revenue circles where the immigrant Muslim peasants settle especially in the char

areas. The high agricultural productivity is generally found in Dhing revenue circle. The

dominant crops in this circle are rice, pulses, oilseeds, jute and sugarcane and large scale of

vegetable cultivation especially done by the immigrant Muslim peasants. The medium

agricultural productivity areas are found Samaguri, Rupahi, Hojai and Lanka revenue

circles. The Samaguri and Rupahi revenue circles are situated in the low-lying areas

affected by heavy soil erosion as a result of which the agricultural productivity exhibits as

medium. But, Hojai and Lanka revenue circles fall under problem of rain water deficiency.

The low agricultural productivity is found in Doboka revenue circle because it has been

facing drought problem, while very low agricultural productivity areas are found in

urbanized Nagaon Sadar and Raha revenue circles mainly to the fact that these revenue

circles are dominated by indigenous people and they have been not using fertilizer and

other inputs in most areas.

So far the spatial pattern of level of agricultural development of Nagaon district is

concerned it is analyzed for 2005-06 by using composite Z-Score and Principal Component

Analysis (PCA) where fourteen attributes has been analyzed. It is observed that only Dhing

revenue circle has recorded ‘high’ level of agricultural development, while Kaliabor,

Samaguri, Rupahi, Hojai and Lanka revenue circles have recorded ‘medium’ level of

agricultural development. On the other hand Raha and Doboka revenue circles are

characterized by ‘low’ level, while Nagaon Sadar and Kampur revenue circles have

recorded ‘very low’ level of agricultural development. Besides, the analysis done through

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) also gives satisfactory result in the case of

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agricultural development in the study area. It is observed that Lanka revenue circle has high

level of agricultural modernization and development and low level of agricultural

diversification along with a medium level of rice productivity. Because of medium level of

rice productivity, this revenue circles record the medium level of overall agricultural

development. Due to medium level of agricultural modernization and development along

with a high level of agricultural diversification and high level of rice productivity, the

Kaliabor revenue circle records high level of overall agricultural development. The Rupahi

revenue circle has recorded medium level of agricultural modernization and development

along with a low range of agricultural diversification and a medium range of rice

productivity. As this revenue circle suffers from flood problem, it has medium level of

agricultural development. The Dhing revenue circle represents medium level of agricultural

modernization and development along with a medium level of agricultural diversification,

and it shows medium level of rice productivity in agriculture. All these aspects reveal that

this revenue circle exhibits medium level of overall agricultural development. The Hojai

revenue circle has recorded medium level of agricultural modernization and development

along with a low agricultural diversification and medium level of rice productivity. Because

of medium level of agricultural modernization and medium level of rice productivity, this

revenue circle is placed under the medium level of overall agricultural development. The

Samaguri revenue circle registers low level of agricultural modernization and development

along with low level of agricultural diversification and medium level of rice productivity.

Due to low level of agricultural modernization and development along with a low level of

agricultural diversification and very low level of rice productivity the Raha revenue circle

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registers the low level of overall agricultural development. The Doboka revenue circle

represents poor agricultural modernization and development and medium level of

agricultural diversification along with low level of rice productivity. The Doboka revenue

circle exhibits the low category of overall agricultural development. The Nagaon Sadar

revenue circle has recorded very low level of agricultural modernization and development

and very low level of agricultural diversification and also very low level of rice

productivity. The Kampur revenue circle registers a very low level of agricultural

modernization and development and low level of agricultural diversification along with

very low level of rice productivity. This revenue circle thus exhibits low degree of overall

agricultural development.

9.2 Findings

The major findings of the present study are:

(1) Though net sown area in the district recorded an increase from 1,82,971.59

hectares (52.63 percent) to 2,00,791.74 hectares (57.46 percent) of the total area during

1990-91 to 2005-06 recording an increase of 9.74 percent during these period, the

population growth is much more recording about four times more (36.80 percent) than the

increase of net area sown. Moreover, the district has no such industries. This reveals that

the high growth rate of population exerts excessive pressure on agricultural land. Thus,

more areas are converted to agricultural land in order to mitigate the demand of the

growing population and agricultural landuse has been also changing. Introduction of cash

crops, plantation crops and other commercial crops also another important change in the

agricultural landscape.

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(2) As more increase of net sown area is not possible by scarifying area under

different categories of landuse, like area under forest, area not available of cultivation etc.,

and the only way to increase area under agriculture is to reuse the crop land using

innovative measure. But intensity of cropping is very low even less than 130 percent

indicating a weak situation. This is due to lack of irrigational facilities in most of the

revenue circles of the district.

(3) Size of operational holdings and fragmentation of landholding are the major

factors influencing agriculture. Majority of the holdings are below the size of 2 hectares

recording 75.49 percent where agricultural modernization is not possible.

(4) Proper agricultural marketing system as well as transportation system is not

available in some of the agriculturally productive areas which paused as constraint in

getting proper market value of the products by the producer.

(5) There is no cold storage facilities in the study areas, therefore, the presale goods

are damaged. So, the poor producers have no way out except to sell their product at a low

price to the middle man. Thus, there is need of cold storage facilities in such agriculturally

development in char areas in the district.

(6) The HYV rice is cultivated in almost all parts of the district in order to get more

production to mitigate the demand of the farmers. Out of the total rice area more than half

i.e. 57.05 percent in 2009-2010 is devoted for HYV of rice indicating a encouraging

situation in the agricultural scenario of the district. Introduction of banana plantation on

commercial basis in the north-eastern part of the district is also a change in agricultural

landscape since the eighties of the last century. However, these crops only concentrated in

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Samaguri, Kaliabor, Lanka, Hojai and Doboka of the study area where soil condition is

favourable which is an economically profitable crops. In addition to banana plantation,

patchouli plantation, citronella plantation and lemon grass plantation, the labour is

intensively required and more capital investment is also required to purchase medicines etc.

(7) Most of the newly introduced industrial crops like patchouli, citronella, wild

grass and varieties of aromatic plants has gain popularity among the educated youths.

However, the area under these crops are insignificant and especially concentrated in some

areas. These crops are labour intensive and need more capital as well as cheap labour for

cultivation.

(8) Major area of agricultural land situated on the bank of the Brahmaputra, Kalong

and Kapili have been eroded by the river. In some of the revenue circle namely Kaliabor,

Rupahi, Doboka, Hojai and Kampur there has been change in the type of agriculture for

which these areas recorded a negative change in the intensity of cropping. Due to high

frequency of flood occurrence, the intensity of cropping is lower and peasants have not

cultivated crops in summer. Moreover, in the south-eastern part of the foothills for damage

of crops by the wild animals and flood, the peasants generally avoid the cultivation of some

crops in some areas reducing the intensity of crop. The intensity of cropping is low almost

all revenue circle except Nagaon Sadar. The Kaliabor, Samaguri, Raha, Kampur and Lanka

revenue circles have recorded a weak situation in respect of intensity of cropping because

of major cultivated areas are mono-cropped areas especially rice. As the increase in the

intensity of cropping depends on the availability of irrigation, manures and fertilizers to

enhance intensity of cropping more capital investment is required. The economic condition

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of majority of the peasant is also not good to use manures, fertilizers etc. low capital

investment is also one of the cause of low intensity of cropping.

(9) There has been strong positive correlation between cropping intensity and rural

population density is r = +0.90. It is clear that with the increase of rural population the

intensity of cropping also increase because of increasing demand of agricultural products.

(10) Rice is the dominant crop produced by all social groups except in the char

areas where area under rice cultivation is significantly low. The Muslim peasants of

immigrant origin in the charland have not preferred to cultivate rice in summer due to

floods which damages the crop during summer. Instead of rice they prefer to cultivate jute

in summer which can resist flood water at least for some days. They take up intensive

cultivation of vegetables during the flood-free winter months.

(11) Special incentive should be given to the peasants in the study area for

agricultural mechanization especially towards the use of tractors, power tillers, pumpset

and other modern implements. In this regard the concerned Agricultural Department can

play an effective role.

(12) The indigenous general Hindu and Muslim peasants cultivate even smaller than

2 hectares size of operational landholdings. They use biofertilizer in their agricultural

fields. They have used mostly cow dung. But, the Muslim peasants of immigrant origin

have widely used chemical fertilizer.

(13) So far social groups are concerned in respect of use of irrigation in agricultural

land the Muslim peasants of immigrant origin have used irrigation in their agricultural field

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mainly during winter season by their own. As it is not provided by the Government, they

privately manage to irrigate the field using pumpset. On the other hand, the indigenous

farmers are reluctant to work for the whole year in the agricultural field but they practice

mono-crop especially two varieties of rice i.e. ahu and sali when climogenetic condition

and soils are suitable. However, commercialization in agriculture is negligible.

(14) In view of the growing unemployment problem, a section of educated

unemployed Assamese youths have also started small tea gardens, banana plantation and

new commercial crop like patchouli, citronella, lemon grass, wild grass planted on

commercial basis in order to get more profit from small plot of land.

(15) Introduction of vegetable gardening on commercial basis in flood prone areas

on the bank of Brahmaputra and south-eastern parts of the district by peasants of immigrant

origin, have contributed significantly for economic uplifment of the district.

(16) HYV rice is not cultivated in the char areas but other crops having high market

value, especially vegetables are cultivated in char areas of the district by the Muslim

peasants of immigrant origin.

(17) The low-lying areas are devoted to jute by the Muslim peasants of immigrant

origin, which they cultivate during summer months.

(18) The high agricultural productivity has been found in north-western part of the

district near the Brahmaputra river especially in Dhing revenue circle where rice, pulses,

oilseeds, jute, sugarcane are largely cultivated by the immigrant Muslim peasants. The

medium agricultural productivity areas are found in Samaguri, Rupahi, Hojai and Lanka

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revenue circles. The Samaguri and Rupahi revenue circles are situated in low-lying areas.

Heavy soil erosion in many villages located on the Brahmaputra river banks has resulted in

significant decline in agricultural productivity. The other revenue circles like Hojai and

Lanka fall under medium agricultural productivity which are facing the problem of rain

water deficiency. The low agricultural productivity has been experienced in the Doboka

revenue circle. The Doboka area is facing drought problem. The very low agricultural

productivity areas are found in Nagaon Sadar and Raha revenue circles. Because the

Nagaon Sadar revenue circle is urbanized area and Raha revenue circle is flood-free which

is inhabited by indigenous Assamese mostly tribal. Both the revenue circles show a very

low agricultural productivity.

(19) The analysis on innovative techniques in agriculture reveal that the Muslim

peasants of immigrant origin prefer to use irrigation for multiple cropping and majority of

them use fertilizer for higher production of crops, especially vegetables cultivation which is

done on commercial basis.

(20) Kaliabor revenue circle of Nagaon district has some advantages because of its

favourable topography, soil and climatic condition for growing different horticultural crops,

especially banana plantation and vegetables.

(21) So far level of agricultural development is concerned, the composite Z- Score

indicates that the positive values are found in the revenue circles of Kaliabor, Samaguri,

Rupahi, Dhing, Hojai and Lanka. On the other hand, the negative values are found in

Nagaon Sadar, Raha, Kampur and Doboka revenue circles. Out of the positive values,

Dhing revenue circles witness the highest composite Z-Score value, i.e. 9.36488, on the

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other hand, highest negative value is recorded in Nagaon Sadar revenue circle,

i.e. -11.44668.

(22) It is observed that sustainable agricultural development in the study area is not

yet achieved. But, there is still vast scope for sustainable agricultural development in the

study area by using inputs like biofertilizer, irrigation and proper scientific crop rotation

methods. There is also enough scope for multiple cropping with 300 percent cropping

intensity that is cultivation of three crops in the same plot of land is not done especially due

to lack of irrigation facilities and lack of investment. There is immense scope for

production of cash earning with market demand crops like ginger, black pepper, turmeric,

flowers including orchids. Moreover, enough scope for development of pisciculture,

floriculture and livestock farming etc. in small operational holdings of Nagaon district. But

motivation towards such type of farming and proper training is not imparted to the farmers.

Moreover, irrigation potential is also high in the study area as the district has many water

bodies, rivers, beels etc. Thus, the Nagaon district has tremendous scope for sustainable

agricultural development using proper agricultural practices.

9.3 Conclusion and Suggestions

The observations made in the work provide not only the present growth and

development status of agriculture in Nagaon district of Assam, it also pulls out certain

post-observational ideas that need the attention of both the future planners and researchers.

These ideas are outlined below in the form of observations or suggestions for consideration.

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The following suggestions are recommended for improving the existing landuse

system that may definitely help in a balanced agricultural growth of the district.

(1) Firstly, any kind of agricultural development programme in the district needs

strategy for agricultural planning. Therefore proper crop calendar should be prepared

considering the edaphic, and physiographic and climatic conditions at micro level in the

district.

(2) During the later half of the present century, the Nagaon district has been

witnessing a rapid growth of population resulting in a tremendous pressure on agricultural

land resource. As the scope for horizontal expansion of agriculture is limited, the only way

to feed the growing millions is by increasing production through increase in intensity of

cropping, using modern techniques.

(3) As the nature and agricultural practices in different regions inhabited by

different social groups depend on their different socio-cultural behaviour and socio-

economic condition separate planning strategies should be adopted for each of the social

groups. Extension of irrigation facilities and modern inputs should be provided to all areas

so that at least some of the educated youths may be attracted towards agriculture.

Moreover, the indigenous general Hindu peasants need incentives to devote more in

commercial crops like tea, banana, patchouli, citronella, sugarcane and pulses with

enhancement of mechanical inputs and innovative practices. Irrigation facilities should be

provided for double cropping or multiple cropping. The Muslim peasants of immigrant

origin are generally laborious and hard workers. Therefore, real agricultural development

among them can be made possible by providing infrastructures, modern inputs and

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facilities. In the case of Scheduled Tribe peasants, extension of education and training

facilities should be provided so that they can turn their interest from growing only food

crops. The extension of education and training facilities should be provided to the

Scheduled Caste peasants so that they can develop their traditional occupation as well as

agricultural activities.

(4) Significant proportion of fallow land available at Kaliabor, Kampur and Hojai

revenue circles maintains scope for future utilization in agriculture through implementation

of innovative practices and suitable crop choice.

(5) There is immense scope for multiple cropping in the study area. So, farmers

should be trained up for choice of multiple cropping.

(6) Better scope for production of cash crops as well as market demand crops like

ginger, black pepper, turmeric, flowers including orchids on commercial basis should be

provided.

(7) Proper training should be imparted to the peasants to raise cultivation of

commercial crops in Nagaon district.

(8) There is scope for development of pisciculture, floriculture and livestock

farming, diary farming for more employment and income generation under the broad arena

of agriculture.

(9) Proper scientific crop rotation is also absent in the study area. Therefore,

training should be imparted to the peasant for proper use of scientific crop rotation to

enhance the fertility of soil and for high production.

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(10) Proper measures should be taken for sustainable agricultural development in

the region with inputs like bio-fertilizer, irrigation and proper scientific crop rotation

method.

(11) Special attention is to be given to increase the cropping intensity in almost all

the revenue circles of the district. There are very urgent needs of cultivating sufficient rabi

crops by using irrigation, fertilizers, machineries etc. mainly in rice fields during winter

period, when they remain uncultivated. This can help not only in increasing the intensity of

cropping but also can upgrade the general economic status of the farmers.

(12) High yielding varieties (HYV) of paddy which require very short duration of

time should be introduced with the provision of irrigation facilities and other modern

inputs, so that educated youths may be easily attracted towards agriculture.

(13) The control over of the middlemen and the private in the agricultural marketing

system should be replaced by an efficient state controlled marketing system. Besides, the

individual and fragmented small farming system should be organized into cooperative

farming system, so that agricultural innovation and modernization programmes can be

easily adopted.

(14) Proper education and training and motivation of the peasants by efficient

extension work are very much essential in the cases of all groups of peasants. Sufficient

helpline should be provided by the government and regular field visit should be made by

the department officially, so that they can guide the peasants in the implementation of the

different agricultural programmers.

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(15) The vegetable cultivation of the area needs a special commercial thrust. The

Muslim peasants of immigrant origin mainly cultivate vegetables in the charland areas on

commercial basis where transport facilities are lacking for earning cash from sale of the

crops in the market. Proper infrastructural and transport facilities should be developed.

(16) Agriculture is the main source of economy, therefore emphasis should be given

to develope agriculture more and more to mitigate the demand of people.

On the basis of the findings the basic observation is that the overall agricultural

development as well as agricultural modernization is a need for lowering physiological

density under existing landuse and cropping pattern. Here, it may be noted that either the

net sown area is to be increased for lowering the physiological density or a substantial

proportion of workforce is to be motivated to other non agricultural occupation, thereby

lowering the agricultural dependency and keeping the physiological density unaltered.

Thus, the present study is considered as a portrait of the existing agricultural growth

and development scenario of Nagaon district of Assam. It is, however, expected that this

work will encourage the researchers working in the field of agricultural geography to

undertake more studies intensively. It is worth mentioning in this connection that spatial

analysis alone may not be enough for rational planning for development of a very

complicated sector like agriculture, unless it is properly supported by structural analysis of

the related factors along with micro physiographic analysis. Therefore, in-depth studies

considering physical and human factors are of utmost necessity for balanced agricultural

development in Nagaon district.

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