A Study on the Prospects and Sustainability of Agro-Based Industries in North East India

Abstract: The North Eastern part of India which comprises of eight states- Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland , Tripura and Sikkim is well endowed with natural resources like oil, agricultural resources, mineral resources and have great potential for hydroelectric power generation. With a large variety of agricultural products such as rice, maize, sugarcane, jute, cotton, rubber, tea, coffee, coconut, walnut and a vast range of fruits and vegetables, North East India is an emerging market for agricultural products and has the potential to be a powerhouse of Indian economy.

Agricultural sector has been the backbone of North East India with more than half of its population engaged in agriculture and allied activities. As such promoting and supporting households engaged in agro based industrial products could provide alternative livelihood opportunities for rural people and enhance the rural development. This study will focus on the prospect and growth opportunities of agro-based industries in North East India. It will also focus on whether agro based industries have the potential to provide an alternative means of sustained livelihood of the rural people of North East India and contribute in rural development.