THE PROBLEM
The Agriculture Sector in North East India occupies the centre stage for inclusive development of the region. To stimulate growth in this sector, both provincial and central Governments intend to follow enormous agricultural development, cut in wastage of produce, financial support to farmers and a thrust to the food processing sector. However, strengthening local capacities and institutions remains a major challenge for the effective design and Implementation of agricultural programs. Due to poor reach and lack of proper direction, these efforts are making proper outputs. The region suffers from weaknesses such as subsistence agriculture with poor farming Infrastructures and markets. In the absence of best practices, farmers use low-quality agricultural inputs. The low utilization of modern inputs in agriculture has reduced the ability of the farm households to cope with high risks in production and income.
THE SOLUTION
To overcome these challenges, it is imperative to transform the North East Indian agricultural eco system by emphasizing higher value outputs, Increased productivity, and redefined public and private sector roles. There is a need to enable farmers to earn sustainable farm incomes and be globally competitive. Creating a transformational agricultural policy roadmap requires collaborative approach between the government, Industry, farmers and the society. It also needs enabling policies and time bound targets focused on technological Innovation, capacity building, and market access and risk mitigation.