Inter-State Analysis of Agricultural Development in Northeast (NE) India
Abstract
This study was conducted in 2024 using the secondary data pertaining to the years 2016-2020, aimed at investigating the spatial pattern of agricultural development across eight sister states of Northeast (NE) India namely, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura. The level of agricultural development was measured based on composite Z-Scores calculated using six variables namely, net irrigated area, cropping intensity, area under High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, consumption of Nitrogen Phosphorous and Potassium (NPK) fertilizers, yield of paddy and food grains. Results showed a significant inter-state disparity in the level of agricultural development. Among the eight states, the highest level of agricultural development (Rank 1) in the entire NE India was found in Assam, followed by Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur, Sikkim, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, respectively. Low productivity of crops, limited usage of NPK fertilizers, and a small share of farm area under irrigation altogether have resulted in poor agricultural development in the majority of the NE states. Therefore, widespread adoption and application of NPK fertilizers, increasing the net irrigated area and cropping intensity are key to elevating the level of agricultural development in the region. Overall, the findings indicated the need for policy intervention through a new agricultural development model for the region, especially one that addresses the issue of closing the gap, and ensures sustainable inclusive development in the long run
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Copyright (c) 2025 Dipak Sharma, Sailajananda Saikia, Shivlal Sharma, Sumpam Tangjang, Mundeep Deuri, Bishmita Medhi, Liyo Nyodu
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