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Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat
Assam Agricultural University is the first institution of its kind in the whole of North-Eastern Region of India. The main goal of this institution is to produce globally competitive human resources in farm sectorand to carry out research in both conventional and frontier areas for production optimization as well as to disseminate the generated technologies as public good for benefitting the food growers/produces and traders involved in the sector while emphasizing on sustainability, equity and overall food security at household level.
Genesis of AAU -
The embryo of the agricultural research in the state of Assam was formed as early as 1897 with the establishment of the Upper Shillong Experimental Farm (now in Meghalaya) just after about a decade of creation of the agricultural department in 1882. However, the seeds of agricultural research in today’s Assam were sown in the dawn of the twentieth century with the establishment of two Rice Experimental Stations, one at Karimganj in Barak valley in 1913 and the other at Titabor in Brahmaputra valley in 1923. Subsequent to these research stations, a number of research stations were established to conduct research on important crops, more specifically, jute, pulses, oilseeds etc. The Assam Agricultural University was established on April 1, 1969 under The Assam Agricultural University Act, 1968’ with the mandate of imparting farm education, conduct research in agriculture and allied sciences and to effectively disseminate technologies so generated. Before establishment of the University, there were altogether 17 research schemes/projects in the state under the Department of Agriculture. By July 1973, all the research projects and 10 experimental farms were transferred by the Government of Assam to the AAU which already inherited the College of Agriculture and its farm at Barbheta, Jorhat and College of Veterinary Sciences at Khanapara, Guwahati.
Subsequently, College of Community Science at Jorhat (1969), College of Fisheries at Raha (1988), Biswanath College of Agriculture at Biswanath Chariali (1988) and Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science at Joyhing, North Lakhimpur (1988) were established. Presently, the University has three more colleges under its jurisdiction, viz., Sarat Chandra Singha College of Agriculture, Chapar, College of Horticulture, Nalbari & College of Sericulture, Titabar. Similarly, few more regional research stations at Shillongani, Diphu, Gossaigaon, Lakhimpur; and commodity research stations at Kahikuchi, Buralikson, Tinsukia, Kharua, Burnihat and Mandira were added to generate location and crop specific agricultural production packages.
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ThesisItem Open Access STUDY ON MANAGEMENT OF AGRIBUSINESS STARTUPS(AAU, Jorhat, 2019-07) Choudhury, Sahryar Tehzib Ahmed; Hazarika, J. P.The present project-work entitled “Study on Management of Agribusiness Startups” was carried out in Guwahati city during the study period to identify and examine the organizational structure, management aspects, and constraints associated with the selected startups. Two startup organizations were selected purposively on the basis of availability and accessibility. The data were collected from respective startups and analyzed to achieve the objectives of the proposed study. The selected Startups were Jeev Anksh Eco Product Private Limited and Innotech Interventions Private Limited. The result of the investigation shows that the Startups were well-structured with organizational hierarchy. The roles and responsibilities of the managers and staff were studied and presented in the project report. To examine the management aspects of the enterprises' various parameters of production and marketing were determined and estimated. The study also provides information regarding the profitability of the startups. It was found that the top management of Jeev Anksh Eco Product Private Limited comprised of Managing director, Additional director (marketing), Additional director (finance), and Assistant manager. The enterprise dealt in organic food products which generated a total return of Rs. 2,38,08,500 per year against the total cost of Rs. 1,82,94,480 with a profit of Rs. 55,14,020. The startup used two partial marketing channels for marketing the products in cities like Kolkata and Mumbai. In the second startup Innotech Interventions Private Limited, the top management comprised of Founder director, Chief Technical Officer, and Director, Chief Executive Officer and Director, and Project Scientist (Mushroom Project). The enterprise produces and marketed Vitamin D fortified Mushroom “Protemush” which generated a total return of Rs. 3,40,500 per year against a total cost of Rs. 1,93,550 with a profit of Rs. 1,46,950. The startup used two marketing channels for marketing the products in different districts of Assam. Both the startups used publicity and personal selling as promotional strategies. They faced different constraints in the production, marketing, and management activities which were thoroughly studied in the project work.ThesisItem Open Access Supply chain and value addition in flower marketing – A case study in Sukleshwar Ghat flower market of Guwahati(AAU, Jorhat, 2019-07) Sarma, Nilakshi; Saikia, R. S.The study entitled “Supply chain and value addition in flower marketing-A case study in Sukleshwar Ghat flower market of Guwahati” was carried out to study the arrival of different flowers in the market, extent of value addition done by the traders as well as the profitability of traders in flower marketing. Total 80 numbers of registered traders were found in the market out of which 40 traders were selected randomly for the study. Moreover, selected traders were classified into three groups according to their monthly income. For analyzing the data, statistical tools like tabular analysis, percentage, average methods were used. The result from the study showed that different types of flowers like rose, gerbera, gladiolus, tuberose, marigold, lotus, orchid, etc were arrived in the market throughout the year. The flowers were arrived in the market through three different marketing channels. In case of Income group-I (Rs50000) maximum flowers were arrived from Kolkata and Bangalore. The arrival of total quantity of flowers was the highest in case of Income group-I because of more numbers of traders under this income group. Sukleshwar Ghat flower market was mostly dominated by traders under Income Group-I (income below Rs25000). But the average annual arrival per trader was reverse from the total annual arrival of flowers among the three Income Groups. Moreover, the study revealed that in case of Income group-I the highest arrival of flowers obtained in the month of July (1, 70,180 no.s ) with an average of 7090 no.s (9.1 per cent) per trader .Whereas, in case of Income Group-II and Income Group-III, the highest arrival of flowers were obtained in the month of February with total arrival of 1, 37,600 no.s and 1, 18,700 no.s ,respectively. This was because of higher demand for flowers for celebration of number of ceremonial activities like wedding ceremonies, valentine day etc. in that month. The involvement of traders under Income Group II and Income Group-III were found more in value added activities like garland making, bouquet preparation, car decoration, making of wedding garland etc. for various occasions. Annual arrival of marigold was the highest in the market irrespective of all income groups with 8, 025, 90 numbers. Marigold was highly demanded throughout the year for different religious activities. Marigold was offered by devotees in nearby temples. Apart from marigold, rose, gerbera, gladiolus were found as major flowers in the market which were mostly used for value addition. Rose was extensively used for various value additions like preparation of bouquet, wedding garland, wedding head piece, car decoration, etc. Likewise, gladiolus and gerbera were also used in preparation of different value added product like bouquet, car decoration, etc. The profitability of traders directly related with the extent of value addition done by them.ThesisItem Open Access Post-harvest Management of Medicinal Plants in Assam: A Case Study of Assam Prakritik Udyog(AAU, Jorhat, 2019-07) Barman, Nabajit; Deka, NiveditaMedicinal plants, also called medicinal herbs, have been discovered and used in traditional medicine practices since prehistoric times. With its vast tract of hills and forests, Assam is the homeland of wonderful and precious medicinal herbs and plants such as Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina), Pippali (Piper longum), Amlakhi (Emblica officinalis), Hilikha (Terminalia chebula), Bhomora (Terminalia belerica), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna). About 50% of India’s entire plant biodiversity is contributed by the North Eastern States viz., Manipur, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura including Assam. Most of the medicinal plants used by local people and tribes of the state of Assam are indigenous and are not known to the vast world of phytochemical science and research. Proper and optimum utilization of those resources will help in employment generation and economic development of the rural poor of the region. Assam Prakritik Udyog (APU) is a herbal products manufacturer located in Tihu town of Nalbari District. The Company manufactures Skin care products, Home care products, Beauty Products, Medicine, Natural food Products etc. Assam Prakritik Udyog (APU) was founded by Mr Ghanashyam Medhi. The study was performed to know about APU and its organizational structure, examine the status of management of medicinal plants and their products, and problems faced by the entrepreneur. The study was conducted in period of six months i.e. from January to June, 2019. The area of the proposed study was Kamrup (Metro) and Nalbari District in Assam. The study was based on both primary and secondary data. The outcome of the study would give a picture of the status of post-harvest management of medicinal plants in the state. The study has helped to find out that there were several units in Assam which process medicinal plants and produce herbal products. However, these were not very well-structured and well-known as compared to the leading herbal brands. Assam Prakritik Udyog produced various personal care products by processing medicinal plants. As many as 53 Products were produced by Assam Prakritik Udyog by processing medicinal plants. The unit was run by the proprietor with the help of 9 employees. Three marketing channels were identified for the Assam Prakritik Udyog for their products. The unit was running at a profit as its annual return covered the cost incurred per annum. The consumers preferred their products as those were priced low and offered effective quality. However, the consumers stated that the packaging quality of the products was not up to the mark and the products were not easily available. There was good relation between the proprietor and the employees which had resulted in good management of the organization. However; the product packaging, promotional methods, hygiene and infrastructure of the organization can be improved. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants based Cottage Industry offers immense potential for economic activity, by providing income-generating opportunities to a large section of the rural population of the state. So the State and the Central Government should formulate policies for conservation and sustainable use of such important natural resources.ThesisItem Open Access MANAGEMENT OF INTEGRATED FARMING SYSTEMS UNDER KALONG-KAPILI NGO IN KAMRUP (METRO) DISTRICT OF ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2019-07) Choudhury, Jharna; Kashyap, DipanjanIntegrated Farming System is a resource management strategy to achieve economic and sustained agricultural production to meet diverse requirement of farm household while preserving the resource base and maintaining high environmental quality. A total of 120 farmers of Kalong-Kapili NGO from Kamrup (Metro) district of Assam were randomly selected for the study, comprising of 24, 20, 13, 20, 24 and 18 farmers from fish cum pig, fish cum poultry, fish cum duck, fish cum dairy, fish cum rice and fish cum horticulture integrated farming systems, respectively. Till June 2019, 10,400 farmers were associated with the NGO out of which 6700, 2600 and 1100 farmers were from Kamrup (Metro), Nagaon and Karbi Anglong districts, respectively. More than half (52.50%) of the farmers were middle aged (30-45 years) and almost three fourth (76.67) of them studied up to matriculation level. Total operational holding was found highest (2.02 ha per farm) in case of fish cum dairy farmers, followed by fish cum horticulture (1.91 ha) and fish cum pig (1.63 ha) farmers, respectively. Utilization of inputs such as fish seed, piglets, birds, lime, organic manure, inorganic fertilizers, labour etc. was also analyzed in the study and it was found that all the farmers had been following scientific culture practices fully or partially. Both cost and income concepts were thoroughly analyzed and per hectare net income of Rs. 7,87,609.42, Rs. 2,30,600.03, Rs. 6,38,078.99, Rs. 7,13,500.24, Rs. 1,35,564.98 and Rs. 5,05,360.32, and benefit-cost ratios of 2.42, 1.51, 2.16, 2.13, 1.83 and 2.94 were found for fish cum pig, fish cum poultry, fish cum duck, fish cum dairy, fish cum rice and fish cum horticulture integrated farming systems, respectively. In fish cum poultry integration, requirement of poultry feed and its cost was extremely high and hence the return from poultry alone was in negative; but, due to its integration with fish, benefit-cost ratio of 1.51 was achieved. In fish cum dairy integration involvement of labour was maximum than the other integrated farming systems. Problems such as non availability of good quality fish seeds, fluctuating marketing conditions and prices, financial problems etc. were some of the common problems identified for the farmers of all the integrated farming systems.ThesisItem Open Access PRODUCTION AND MARKETING MANAGEMENT OF FLOWER CULTIVATION IN HAJO(AAU, Jorhat, 2019-07) Bora, Priyanka; Hazarika, J. P.The study entitled “Production and marketing management of flower cultivation in Hajo”. Floriculture or flower farming is the discipline of horticulture concerned with growing and marketing of flowers and foliage plant. In Assam earlier only Malakar people from Kamrup District are engaged in flower cultivation so that they can supply raw flower in various temple like Kamakhya, Umananda temple etc . Now the scenario has changed in Assam .Floriculture is emerging as a commercial activity in Assam too. The present field survey was an attempt to examine the study the production management strategies of flower growers , examine the marketing channels of the flowers and estimate the marketing efficiency , and the last one is to identify the constraints in flower cultivation in Hajo with selected flowers such as Marigold, Gerbera, Tuberose and Gladiolus. The study was carried out in Kulhati and Muamari village in Kamrup District of Assam. A multistage random sampling technique was followed to select the ultimate sample unit. A sample of 30 households was selected and categorized into three different categorises, viz. marginal, small and medium based on their operational holding. The study revealed that sources of input for farmers of Hajo was KVK, HRS, Agri clinic, local trader etc. Under RKVY and NFSM scheme, farmers can purchase power tiller, seed at 50% subsidized price. Farmer also got Urea at Rs 8 with subsidized price. In case of marigold gross income was Rs. 603893 and net income was Rs. 420648 over total cost of Rs.183245 for all farms. Total cost, gross income and net income for all farms in case of tuberose were Rs. 248535, Rs.829371 and Rs. 580835, respectively.From gladiolus for all farms the gross income was Rs. 558009 and net income was Rs. 679779 over total cost of Rs. 305330. In case of gerbera gross income was Rs. 969780 and net income was Rs. 674641 over total cost was Rs. 295139 for all farms. . The benefit cost ratios (based on net return) over total cost were 2.6 , 2.3, 2.32 and 2.22 Marigold, Gerbera, Tuberose and Gladiolus, respectively. Highest amount of flowers (marketed surplus) were Transacted through Channel II and Channel III. Marketing efficiency for flower transaction was highest in Channel I because producer directly sold product to ultimate customers. Problem related to production was highest in Hajo as there was no proper organized market for sale of flowers. In marketing, the most important problem faced by the farmers was price instability because price fluctuation happens in the market within the same day. They get lower price when there is heavy arrival from Kolkata to the local markets.ThesisItem Open Access BUSINESS ANALYSIS OF COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA) IN ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2019-07) Rahman, Julfiqur; Kashyap, DipanjanCommunity Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a system that connects the producers and consumers within the food system more closely by allowing the consumer to subscribe to the harvest of a certain farm or group of farms. It is a strategy to improve local agricultural economy and is a unique concept regarding the process of buying and selling. A total of 120 samples comprising of 30 CSA farmers from Biswanath, 30 non CSA farmers from Biswanath and 60 consumers from Biswanath and Kamrup (Metro) districts were selected for the study. The consumers were divided into 4 groups based on their income for better interpretation of the data. All the CSA farmers were associated with organic vegetable cultivation and they sold their produce to seven different customer groups consisting of the outlet customers, registered members, farm-gate customers, restaurants, grocery stores, educational institutions and processors. Price of the vegetables sold by the CSA was more than the normal markets due to its organic nature and customers were accepted the vegetables satisfactorily. Total profit earned by the CSA in 2018-19 was Rs. 3,39,070.00 with benefit-cost ratio of 1.56. Non CSA farmers had sold their produce mainly through four marketing channels, out of which 65 per cent produce were moved through the direct channel of Producer – Consumer. Total profit earned by the non CSA farmers was Rs. 6,91,590.00 and their benefit-cost ratio was lesser (1.41) in comparison to the organic farmers of the CSA model. Eight factors such as availability of organic produce, diversity of products, convenient delivery locations, proper grading and standardization, good packaging etc. had influenced the consumers to purchase the produce of the CSA team. On an average a consumer required 3-12 kg vegetables per week. Consumers had identified price differences of Rs. 15-40 per kg between the vegetables sold by the CSA and non CSA farmers. More financial involvement among members, difficulty in development of customer base, requirement of constant grade produce, requirement of more labour, and differences in opinion of members were the main problems of the CSA farmers. Less bargaining power, higher price of the products, non availability of home delivery service at many places and availability of lesser number of products were the problems faced by the consumers. Looking at increasing awareness of the people on healthy and hygienic foods, CSA has great scope to be popularized throughout Assam as well as in the whole North-Eastern region.ThesisItem Open Access COMPARATIVE ECONOMICS OF POTATO CULTIVATION USING TUBER AND TRUE POTATO SEED (TPS) IN TRIPURA(AAU, Jorhat, 2019-07) Das, Sonia; Gogoi, Jyoti K.The present study was conducted in Unakoti District of Tripura to study the status of TPS potato, costs and returns of potato cultivation, resource use efficiency and constraints associated with TPS cultivation. The study employed multistage random sampling technique and a total 120 sample farmers were selected for the study. For analyzing the data, various statistical tools like percentage, compound growth rate, Cobb-Douglas production function, Garrett’s ranking technique and cost concepts were used. The findings revealed that the area under TPS potato in Tripura had increased significantly with a CGR of 10.34 from years 2007-2008 to 2017-18 and it’s percentage share to total potato area of the state had increased from 25.17 percent to 38.09 percent from 2007-08 to 2017-18. Productivity of TPS potato in the study area showed an increasing trend with a CGR of 2.35 and more than 50 percent area under potato cultivation was covered with TPS potato. In the costs and returns calculation it was found out that the cost incurred for tuber potato was more as compared to TPS potato mainly due to high seed cost but returns were more in case of TPS potato. The study found out that return per rupee for TPS potato was 6.15 and tuber potato was 1.79 means profit was almost more than 3 times in case of TPS potato. The study indicated that resource use efficiency of most of the resources for both tuber and TPS potato was found to be less than unity means the resources were underutilized. Hence, in order to obtain more production, expenditures on those resources should be increased. The findings also revealed that lack of capital, less availability of implements, unavailability of seed at proper time of planting, lack of storage structures, unavailability of regulated market were the major constraints faced by the farmers in TPS cultivation. Government should take effective measures through various programmes to cover all the farmers for encouraging them to adopt new and innovative technologies for potato cultivation to achieve increased level of farm income for both tuber potato and TPS potato farms.ThesisItem Open Access IMPACT OF AGRICLINIC AND AGRIBUSINESS CENTRES (ACABC) IN INCREASING AGRIPRENEURS’ INCOME IN ASSAM – A CASE STUDY IN JORHAT DISTRICT(AAU, Jorhat, 2019-07) M D, GAGANA; Das, Anup KumarAgricultural development is a precondition of our national prosperity as it is the main source of earning livelihood of the people. Agriculture will continue to be central part to all strategies of planned socio-economic development of the country. In the years to come, the increase in agricultural production will mainly come from the growth in productivity which will invite intervention of agricultural extension activities in providing farmers information, training and support for adopting improved production technologies. In this background, the scheme of “Agriclinic and Agribusiness Centres” was launched on 9th April, 2002. The fundamental objective of this scheme is to strengthen the transfer of technology and extension services and also provide self-employment opportunities to technically trained persons. The present study aimed at analyzing this fundamental objective of self employment opportunities and more particularly, the impact of the Agriclinic and Agribusiness Centres on agripreneurs’ income. The study revealed that about 735 candidates are trained in Assam and 227 of them have established ventures. The ventures are established in 19 activities in Assam, among which more units are established under Veterinary clinics followed by Dairy/poultry/piggery/goatary, and so on. Under the ACABC, to provide finance support for the establishment of ventures, there are 93 number of projects was sanctioned and 25 are still in pending in Assam. From the four Case studies, it was concluded that there is positive impact of Agriclinic and Agribusiness Centres on motivation to start new ventures, knowledge & skill, and business, marketing & financial management. Out of 4 case studies, three were shown positive impact on increase in agripreneurs’ income as their income has significantly increased after training. But, in one Case study although every management is ideal but due to weather uncertainty his income has decreased. It was concluded that, the more competition in the market, Pest attack/disease infestation problem, Lack of financial support, too much of risk and lack of skilled man power were the major problems that are confronted by the agripreneurs. And hence, there is need of some protective measures or strategies to overcome these problems like, contract farming, insurance on crop or other enterprise, providing on the job training, etc. and the government support is also needed like increase in credit facilities, availability of inputs at low cost, measure to minimize price fluctuations, etc.ThesisItem Open Access DISAGGREGATED REGIONAL GROWTH AND DISPARITY ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS IN INDIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ASSAM(AAU, Jorhat, 2019-07) T D, SWATHY PARVATHY; Borthakur, NilotpalThe banking sector in India has undergone remarkable changes during post-nationalisation period. From a purely profit-oriented private owned and urban biased sector, it had grown into a development-oriented and social justice based public sector banking industry now-a-days. The fundamental objective of bank nationalisation was to convert the banking of classes into banking of masses. The present study aimed at analyzing this fundamental objective of bank nationalisation and more particularly whether the wide disparity in banking development in terms of branch expansion, deposit mobilization and credit disbursement that existed prior to nationalisation remained even after 45 years of nationalisation or not. The study revealed that the number of bank branches, amount of deposit mobilized and credit disbursement increased in 2016 over 1972. But the imbalances among the regions and states remained the same even there was a reduction in the gap between them. Bank branch expansion could reduce the locational imbalances up to a particular level. But the credit disbursement showed much variation among regions in 2016 as well. The credit-deposit ratio of the regions and states indicated the discrimination to the north-eastern parts of the country in case of the credit disbursement. All the agro-climatic zones in Assam showed an increasing trend in the number of bank branches, the amount of deposit mobilized and the amount of credit disbursed. But the trend did not support the policies adopted by the Government to eliminate gradually the existing gap among the zones. The credit-deposit ratio of the state, as well as the zones, had not increased much from 1973. Elasticity value of zones showed that every zone was under highly deposit potential area category. Growth in case of accounts and amount of credit disbursed in priority sector was not much enough to improve the economic status of the farmers. The number of accounts showed higher growth compared to the growth of the amount advanced to the sector. Imbalances in the banking facility in the priority sector remained the same in 2016 also. It could be found out from the study of the public sector banking that during 1972-2016 banking development in India went in favour of desired policy lines. But the regional and state wise disparities in terms of banking services still exist. Analysis indicated that in major banking services (expansion of bank branches, mobilization of deposits and disbursement of credit especially to weaker sections of society) some healthy trends had been observed during these 45 years which might have helped significantly, if continued in the future by giving emphasis to North-Eastern region, in minimizing the widening banking disparities.
