From the archive record
Assam, the gate way to North East, covers a total geographical area of 78,520 Sq. Km. spreading over 27 districts with a population of 22.2 million. As per census 2001, 77 % of the population lives in the rural area of the state. Agriculture and its allied activities played an important role in the socio- economic development of the State of Assam as this sector is the major contributor to the State economy as well as providing livelihood to a significant proportion of the population of the State.Agriculture and Horticulture are the main source of livelihood of the rural population and thus Agriculture is the mainstay of the state's economy. About 90% of the farmers belong to small and marginal groups,the average operational holding being 1.55 hectares. The state of Assam experiences plent