The promising prospects of Kharif agriculture in Assam

Mowsam Hazarika 

(mowsam2000@yahoo.co.in)

As the pre-monsoon showers begin to kiss the fertile lands of Assam, a wave of optimism spreads across the state’s rural heartlands. The onset of the Kharif season — traditionally beginning in June and extending through October — marks not just an agricultural cycle but a season of renewed hope for millions of farming families. In Assam, where agriculture continues to form the backbone of the economy and rural livelihood, the prospects for the Kharif season carry immense significance. With favourable climatic forecasts, policy initiatives, and an increasingly aware and resilient farming community, the outlook for agriculture in this Kharif season appears particularly promising.

Assam, nestled in the northeastern part of India and cradled by the mighty Brahmaputra and Barak river systems, enjoys a unique agro-climatic advantage. The Kharif season, driven largely by the Southwest Monsoon, is the main cropping period in the state. Paddy — particularly the Sali variety — dominates the landscape, covering over 90% of the cropped area. Besides paddy, other crops such as pulses, oilseeds, maize, and vegetables also form part of the Kharif cultivation matrix.

This year, weather forecasts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicate a near-normal monsoon for the region, with adequate rainfall expected across the Brahmaputra Valley and the hills. This bodes well for rain-fed agriculture, which is predominant in Assam. With over 70% of the net sown area dependent on rainfall, timely and evenly distributed rains can significantly enhance crop yields and reduce the input costs associated with irrigation.

Another encouraging sign is the increased focus on climate-resilient agricultural practices. Government agencies, in collaboration with agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), have been conducting awareness drives and training programmes for farmers. These include the promotion of short-duration and flood-tolerant varieties of paddy, such as Ranjit Sub-1, Bahadur Sub-1, and Swarna Sub-1, which have proven effective in coping with flood-prone conditions — a perennial challenge in many parts of Assam.

The government of Assam has also ramped up its support mechanisms for farmers ahead of the Kharif season. Subsidised distribution of high-yielding seeds, bio-fertilisers, and plant protection chemicals is underway in various districts. The state agriculture department has also intensified the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) to enhance irrigation facilities in water-scarce zones. Although the state is rich in water resources, the lack of adequate irrigation infrastructure has been a bottleneck in optimising productivity. With ongoing projects to construct and renovate canals, ponds, and check dams, a significant push is being made to reduce the dependence on erratic rainfall.

Moreover, digital initiatives in agriculture are slowly but steadily making inroads into Assam’s rural landscape. The adoption of mobile-based weather alerts, pest management advisories, and market information is growing. Mobile applications like ‘Fasal Salah’ and platforms like Kisan Call Centres are helping farmers make informed decisions about sowing dates, fertiliser application, and harvesting timelines. These tools are especially helpful during the Kharif season, when sudden changes in weather patterns can threaten standing crops.

While the outlook remains broadly positive, challenges continue to loom. Floods remain a recurring threat, particularly in the districts of Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Barpeta, Morigaon, and parts of Upper Assam. Even with early warnings and mitigation plans in place, large-scale inundation can still destroy crops and displace farming communities. The growing unpredictability of monsoons due to climate change further complicates planning and preparedness. In this context, promoting localised crop insurance and making it easily accessible to small and marginal farmers is crucial. The government must ensure that schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) are implemented with transparency and efficiency so that compensation reaches farmers in time.

The Kharif season also brings into focus the importance of market linkages. While production may be abundant, the post-harvest phase often presents hurdles for farmers in Assam. Inadequate storage infrastructure, poor connectivity, and limited access to organised markets often force them to sell their produce at distress prices. Strengthening Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, and direct farmer-to-consumer channels can help mitigate these issues. In recent years, some success stories have emerged — such as vegetable growers in Nalbari and organic paddy cultivators in Majuli — where collective marketing efforts have led to better price realisation.

Assam’s youth, too, are showing increasing interest in modern farming practices and agribusiness. This shift is partly due to growing unemployment in other sectors and partly because of the realisation that agriculture, when done scientifically, can be both sustainable and profitable. Schemes like the Atmanirbhar Assam initiative, which support agri-startups and rural entrepreneurship, are beginning to inspire a new generation of agri-preneurs. Whether it is mushroom farming, fishery, or organic vegetable cultivation, the diversification of rural livelihoods during the Kharif season is steadily gaining ground.

Technology and mechanisation are other fronts where visible progress has been made. The use of tractors, power tillers, transplanters, and combine harvesters is increasing, especially in the plains districts. Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) have been set up in many blocks, allowing farmers access to machinery at affordable rates. This not only enhances efficiency but also helps address the labour shortage often experienced during peak agricultural periods.

Women, who form the backbone of rural agricultural labour in Assam, continue to play a critical role during the Kharif season. From sowing and transplanting paddy to post-harvest activities, their contribution is immense, yet often underacknowledged. Empowering women farmers through skill development, land rights, and financial inclusion must be an integral part of any long-term strategy to enhance agricultural productivity and equity.

In conclusion, the prospects for agriculture in Assam during this Kharif season appear notably positive, thanks to a confluence of favourable monsoon forecasts, supportive government interventions, growing adoption of resilient practices, and a changing mindset among farmers. However, to fully realise this potential, it is essential to address the persistent structural challenges, particularly those related to floods, irrigation, market access, and rural infrastructure. The Kharif season is not just a matter of agricultural planning — it is a social and economic lifeline for millions. With the right mix of policy, practice, and participation, it can be transformed into a season of prosperity and progress. As the first drops of monsoon rain soak the fields, the people of Assam once again look to the skies — not with fear, but with hope.