Geography of Assam
1. Briefly write about the area, population and population density of Assam.
answer:- Assam currently covers an area of 78,438 sq km. Assam covers 2.4 per cent of the total land area of India.
Population According to the 2011 census, the population of Assam is 3,12,05,5 Of these, 159.39 lakh are males and 152.66 lakh are females.
Assam has a population density of 398 people per sq km as of 2011 census.
2. Briefly write how the literacy rate in Assam has increased.
Answer:- The literacy rate of Assam was 52.89% in the 1991 census, 63.25% in 2001 and 72.19% in the 2011 census. In other words, the literacy rate in Assam has been increasing steadily every decade. As of 1991 census, male literacy rate was 61.90% and female literacy rate was 43.00%. As of 2001 census, male literacy rate was 71.28% and female literacy rate was 54.61%. As of 2011 census, male literacy rate was 77.85% and female literacy rate was 66.27%.
3) According to 2011 data, how many first class and how many second class cities are there in Assam?
Answer:- There are seven first-class cities. They are Guwahati, Shillong, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Nagaon, Tinsukia and Tezpur respectively.
There are six second-class cities. They are Dhubri, Diphu, North Lakhimpur, Karimganj, Sibsagar and Goalpara respectively.
4. Discuss the population growth of Assam from 1901 to
Answer:- Populations are not always the same. Populations grow and change due to birth rates, mortality rates and migration. Assam had a population of 3,289,680 in 1901, which is 1.38 per cent of the total population of India. In 1941, the population increased to 6,694,7 During these four decades, the population of Assam more than doubled. During this period, 2.10 per cent of the total population of India lived in Assam.
The population growth rate of Assam during the decade 1901-11 was 16.99 per cent. However, the population growth rate in the following decade was 20.48 per cent. Over the next three decades, population growth was about the same. For example, it reached 19.93 per cent in 1921-31, 20.40 per cent in 1931-41 and 19.93 per cent in 1981-9
India's population grew rapidly during the post-independence period. The population increased to 34.98 per cent and 34.95 per cent in the decades 1951-61 and 1961-7 However, population growth has slowed down in the following decades. Population growth during the decades 1971-81, 1981-91, 1991-2001 and 2001-2011 was lower than before. The slowly declining birth rate in the state, as well as public and government awareness, seems to have succeeded to some extent in curbing mass migration from Bangladesh.
5. Review the distribution of population of Assam by geographical region with the help of appropriate maps.
Answer:- The distribution of the population of the state is not equal everywhere. Therefore, the population density varies from region to region. In general, areas with poor natural environment, transportation and economic conditions are sparsely populated. In contrast, areas with favorable natural and economic conditions are densely populated.
The Brahmaputra Valley is home to 85 per cent of the total population of Assam. The valley is densely populated due to its flat land, fertile soil, good agriculture and transportation.
The fertile plains of the Barak Valley are densely populated due to their convenience for agriculture and transportation. The population density of the region is 545 persons per sq km as of 2011 and accounts for 11 per cent of the total population of Assam
In contrast, the hilly region, which covers the two hill districts of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao, located between the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys, is sparsely populated due to adverse geographical conditions. The region has a population of 3.75 per cent of the total population of Assam.
6. Briefly discuss the reasons for the differences in population distribution in Assam with examples.
Answer:- The Brahmaputra Valley is home to 85 per cent of the total population of Assam. The valley is densely populated due to its flat land, fertile soil, good agriculture and transportation. The population density increased from 1,220 people per square kilometer in 2001 to 1,502 in The southern part of the Brahmaputra Valley accounts for 21 per cent of the total population of the valley. As of 2011, the population density was 371 people. The Central Brahmaputra Valley accounts for 27 per cent of the total population of the valley. The population density in this section is 500 people (as of 2011). The South Brahmaputra Valley region is home to about 36 per cent of the population of the Brahmaputra Valley. The population density is relatively high, ie, about 631 people per sq km.
The fertile plains of the Barak Valley are densely populated due to their convenience for agriculture and transportation. As of 2011, the population density of the region is 545 people per sq km and it accounts for 11 per cent of the total population of Assam.
In contrast, the hilly region, which covers the two hill districts of Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao, located between the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys, is sparsely populated due to adverse geographical conditions. The region has a population of 3.75 per cent of the total population of Assam. As of 2011, the population density of the hilly region is 68 people per sq km.
According to the 2011 census, there are other data about the population of Assam. The most populous district is Nagaon district (2,522,324 people) and the least populous district is Dimapur district (1,88,079 people). According to the data, Kamrup Metropolitan City has the highest population density in Assam (2010 persons per sq km).
7. Name the districts with the highest population and population density and the districts with the lowest population and population density among the districts of Assam as on
Answer:- The most populous district - Nagaon.
District with the highest population density - Kamrup Metro.
The least populated district - Dima Hasao.
District with the lowest population density - Dima Hasao.
8. Briefly discuss the reasons for the population growth of Assam.
Answer:- There are two main reasons for the population growth in Assam. One of these is the natural growth of the population and the other is the high level of migration from outside to the State.
(a) Natural growth of population:- Natural growth of population is generally dependent on birth rate and mortality rate. Population increases when the birth rate is higher than the death rate. The mortality rate has been decreasing due to the application of modern medical methods. In the case of Assam, the average birth and mortality rate of Assam is almost the same as the average birth and mortality rate of the all-India population.
(b) Migration:- Migration is the main reason for the population growth of Assam. There has been more or less migration to Assam since the British took over the rule of Assam. However, since the beginning of the last century, there has been a more active influx of people from outside the state. After the partition of the country in 1947, a large number of Hindu refugees migrated to Assam from then East Pakistan. The population of Assam began to grow rapidly in the post-independence period (1950-2001). During this period, the population of Assam increased by 232 per cent instead of the country's population growth of 185 per cent. The main reason for this abnormal population growth was the rapid influx from Bangladesh to Assam.
9. Mention the migration flows to Assam from ancient times to the present.
Answer:- The state of Assam is located in the North East of India and due to its special geographical location, people of various ethnic groups and languages have migrated to the state from its north, east, south and west since ancient times. Assam's beautiful natural environment, abundant water resources, fertile soil in river valleys, abundant rainfall and presence of various species of animals and plants attracted the migrants. Therefore, people of many ethnic groups arrived in Assam at different times.
Sociologists believe that the first influx of people to Assam was the Austrians. They came from Southeast Asia. The Khasis and Jaintias of Meghalaya belong to this ethnic group.
The second influx of people to Assam was the Tibetan Burman-speaking Mongols. They came to Assam from Central Asia across the Himalayas and settled in the mountainous plains of Assam. The tribes living in the plains are Boro, Mising, Tiwa, Deuri, Sonwal, Kachari and the tribes living in the hilly areas are Karbi, Dimasa, Kuki, Garo, Mar, Hajong, Rangma, Jemi and Naga.
After the arrival of the Mongols, people speaking languages of Aryan origin came to Assam from the Ganges plain region. They were mainly Caucasians. They are the Brahmins, Kayastha, Kalitas, Naths, Yogis, Kaivartas, etc. of this dynasty.
In the early 13th century, a group of Muslims of Indus-Aryan origin entered Assam under the command of Qutbuddin's general Muhammad bin Bakhtiar Khilji. Later, these Muslims formed the society and culture of the Muslim community in the Brahmaputra and Barak valleys.
The Ahom are mainly Mongolian ethnic groups. They came from China to Myanmar and then crossed the Patkai to Assam in 1228 AD under the leadership of Chu-ka-pha and established the Ahom kingdom in southern Assam.
The Koch Rajbongshi people are a notable ethnic group in Assam. The Kochs, led by King Biswa Singh, established their kingdom in the western part of Assam and later extended their empire to the Barnadi in southern Assam.
After the British took over the rule of Assam, skilled people were brought from Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan etc. to carry out their administrative, economic and commercial activities. Nepali community members were brought from Nepal, especially for recruitment in the army. Tribal people were brought to Assam as tea laborers from the Chotanagpur plateau region of central India to carry out tea cultivation activities.
10. Presentation of the ethnic identity of the Ahoms of Assam.
Answer:- The Ahom are mainly Mongolian people. They came from China and entered Myanmar. In 1228 AD, the Ahom led by Chu-ka-pha crossed the Patkai Mountains from the Chan Plateau of northern Myanmar to Assam and established their empire in southern Assam. They later conquered almost the entire Brahmaputra Valley. The Ahoms ruled Assam for nearly six hundred years and made a strong contribution to the society and culture of Assam. The Ahom are currently living mainly in the districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sibsagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Lakhimpur and Dhemaji in southern Assam as well as in the districts of Morigaon, Nagaon and Sonitpur in central Assam.
11. Briefly discuss how the transport system has contributed to the economic development of Assam.
Answer:- The transportation system in Assam has provided a lot of facilities. Assam's road transport, water transport, rail and air transport systems connect the corners of the country and contribute to the growth of the internal economy of the state. The transport system is connecting villages with cities and some rural underdeveloped areas with developed areas as well as meeting the basic needs of increasing production, expanding markets and economic development.
12. Write a brief note on water transport in Assam.
Answer:- The water transport system of Assam is mainly inland water transport system. Assam, which accounts for 32 per cent of India's total water resources, is formed by the Brahmaputra, Barak and their tributaries. There are 891 km of navigable waterways from Shadia to Dhubri and 121 km from Barak. The Brahmaputra Navy Waterway was declared the second national waterway of India in The waterway on the Barak River was recognized as the Sixth National Waterway by the Government of India in These two waterways have contributed to the economic development of Assam and the entire North East by transporting goods at low cost.
Two government agencies are making efforts to improve the water transport system in Assam. One of them is the Central Inland Water Transport Corporation and the other is the Directorate of Inland Water Transport. There are several small and large river ports in Assam including Pandu, Dhubri etc. At present, a total of 96 ferries are operating in three zones of the Inland Water Transport Department on the Brahmaputra, Barak and their tributaries. There are more than 30 pairs of ferries on both banks of the Brahmaputra to carry passengers and goods. In addition, the department has arranged 61 ships to carry passengers and goods to rural areas of the state without easy road transport. In addition, many privately owned ferry services and boat services operate in the unorganized sector.
13. List the five main obstacles to the development of transport system in Assam.
Answer:- The main obstacles to the development of transport system in Assam are 一
1) Assam's diverse topography characterized by hills, mountains, plains, plateaus, floodplains, reservoirs etc. makes it difficult to expand transportation.
2) The soil quality of Assam is not suitable for road construction and repair in some places. In addition, roads are easily damaged due to heavy rains during the monsoon season. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to improve the quality of roads in the country. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to improve the quality of roads in the country.
3) There is a lot of potential for the development of tourism industry in Assam but adequate measures have not been taken for its development. The transport system in the state will also improve if emphasis is placed on the development of the tourism industry.
4) Domestic and foreign investment in the State has declined due to social and political unrest caused by sectarian and communal problems as well as militant problems from time to time. This has limited the expansion of trade and disrupted transportation.
5. Rapid development of transport system has not been possible due to lack of timely and proper implementation of schemes undertaken by the Government for expansion and development of backward transport system in the State.
14. What do you mean by resources? What are the major natural resources of Assam?
Answer:- Resources are all the things that people need to survive. Air, water, sunlight, soil, plants, fruits, minerals, etc. are all necessary for humans. Therefore, these are resources. Most resources are available in nature and humans also create resources.
The major natural resources of Assam are land resources, forest resources, mineral resources and water resources.
15. Name the major oil fields of Assam.
Answer:- The major oil fields in Assam are Digboi, Naharkatia, Maran, Hugrijan, Rudrasagar, Lakwa, Geleki, Barhola and Amguri.
16. Briefly write about the water resources of Assam.
Answer:- Assam is a state rich in water resources. Assam has sufficient surface water and groundwater. Heavy rains, year-round flow of rivers, canals, pits, lakes, wetlands etc. enrich the surface water resources of Assam. The two major rivers of the state, the Brahmaputra and the Barak, and their numerous tributaries carry about one-third of the country's water resources. There are many small and large ponds and lakes in the state as well as more than 3,000 wetlands. They are home to a variety of fish and different species of aquatic plants. Surface water Water from flowing rivers is generally used for agriculture as well as domestic purposes, industry and water transport sectors. There are abundant groundwater resources in the entire Brahmaputra and Barak valleys. In plains, groundwater levels are found within 5 m of the surface. Like surface water, groundwater is used for domestic and industrial purposes besides agriculture in the state.
17. What are the causes of degradation of natural resources in Assam?
Answer:- The reasons for the degradation of natural resources in Assam are mentioned below
(a) Population growth:- Rapid population growth has had a significant impact on natural resources. Forests and agricultural land are shrinking due to human settlement in new areas. Many animals are extinct.
(b) Resource misuse:- Natural resources are also called free gifts of nature. But people have not yet learned to make good use of it. There is a short-sighted attitude of people towards the use of resources.
(c) Lack of scientific planning:- There is no initiative at the private, social or government levels to formulate and implement appropriate policies and schemes in the field of resource conservation. Many times, even if government measures are taken, lack of awareness among the public makes them meaningless.
(d) Environmental pollution:- Environmental pollution is increasing rapidly due to reckless activities of humans. Continued processes of deforestation, industrialization and urbanization have put pressure on resources. Air, soil and water pollution have adversely affected the natural resources around us.
18. How has increasing population affected natural resources?
Answer:- The natural resources of the state of Assam are not safe at present. Natural resources are being depleted day by day. Nowadays, human factors are more influential than natural factors. The population of Assam has grown rapidly in the last few decades. As a result, population pressure on the natural environment is increasing. Population growth has especially led to settlement expansion and food-grain production has to be increased. In some places, forests have been cleared and in other places, reservoirs have been dug and people have settled there. In addition, fertile, sedimentary agricultural land has been used for settlement. Thus, valuable resources such as forests, reservoirs, wetlands and agricultural land are being depleted due to population expansion. Population pressure has led to changes in land use and inappropriate use of land. This has led to problems such as land erosion, decreased soil fertility and soil pollution.
Agricultural land is needed as the increasing population has to focus on producing more food crops. However, agricultural land in the state is declining due to the need for agricultural land for settlement. Therefore, people have expanded agriculture by converting forests and wetlands into agricultural land. The natural quality of agricultural land has also been destroyed due to excessive application of chemical fertilizers for increased crop production.
Forest resources have also been affected by human activities. Humans are destroying forest resources at an unrestrained rate for essential activities such as personal use, industries and various construction activities. If this is not prevented in time, the forest resources of Assam today could be destroyed.
Similarly, the use of mineral resources for the development of the state especially in the transport, industry and energy sectors is increasing and surely one day these reserves of non-renewable resources will be depleted.
Nowadays, the scope of human economic activities has increased. The process of urbanization and industrialization in Assam is gradually advancing and as a result it has had a direct and indirect impact on natural resources. If urbanization and industrialization continue without proper planning, the air, water and soil of the state will be polluted.
19. Is the large population of Assam a burden (problem) or an asset of the state? discuss.
Answer:- The problem of increasing population has caused many problems in the state. According to the 2011 census, the total population of Assam is 61 million. Of these, 159.39 lakh are males and 152.66 lakh are females. 73 per cent of the total population of the state is educated. The literacy rate of males is 78 per cent and that of females is 67 per cent. The urban and rural literacy rates are 88 per cent and 70 per cent respectively. Unlike China, Japan and other countries, the population of India or Assam is not burdened by the elderly. 35 per cent of the total population of Assam is aged 15 to 34 years. The youth represent a considerable proportion of the population of the state with endless efficiency potential. This large youth force must be properly managed and developed in terms of education, intelligence, vocational skills, etc. On the other hand, real human resource development can only be achieved if effective measures are taken to empower the weaker sections of the society, especially the poor, the physically disabled and women. In addition, there is a need to control the growing population so that the plans for human resource development can be successfully implemented.
20. What steps should be taken to build human resources in Assam?
Answer:- If the growing population in Assam is not controlled in time and the large population is not developed as human resource, the population problem will take widespread form in the state. 73 per cent of the total population of the state is literate, of which the male literacy rate is 78 per cent and the female literacy rate is 67 per cent. The literacy rates in urban and rural areas are 88 per cent and 70 per cent respectively. 35 per cent of the total population of Assam is aged 15 to 34 years. The youth represent a considerable proportion of the population of the state with endless efficiency potential. This large youth force must be properly managed and developed in terms of education, intelligence, vocational skills, etc. On the other hand, real human resource development can only be achieved if effective measures are taken to empower the weaker sections of the society, especially the poor, the physically disabled and women.
21. Briefly discuss the role of agriculture in the economy of Assam.
Answer:- Assam is an agricultural state. The majority of the people of Assam are engaged in agriculture. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy of Assam. More than 53 per cent of the total employed people in Assam are directly and indirectly involved in agriculture.
The industries involved in the agricultural sector are forestry, tea, silk, rubber, food processing, paper, fisheries and animal husbandry. Food processing industry is a newly expanded industry in Assam. The importance of food processing industry in Assam is increasing in recent times. The forests, fruits, vegetables and herbal plants of Assam are not yet commercially developed.
The silk industry is a major agro-based industry in Assam. Assam traditionally produces three types of silk-eri, velvet and nut jute. Assam produces 65 per cent of the yarn produced in India. The production of salt yarn is not very high. Assam is world famous for its velvet yarn. Assam produces 97 per cent of the total velvet yarn produced in India. Along with silk production, the handicraft industry has also developed in Assam. Currently, there are more than 1.3 million weaving mills in Assam and about 2.5 million people are directly and indirectly involved in the weaving industry.
Along with tea cultivation, rubber cultivation is slowly becoming popular in Assam. In 2012-13, rubber was cultivated on 34.5 thousand hectares of land in Assam. Given the huge potential for rubber production in Assam, the Rubber Board of India plans to expand rubber cultivation to 200,000 hectares by the end of the 12th Five Year Plan.
The tea industry is the largest agricultural industry in Assam. Assam tea has a reputation all over the world. Tea has been playing a significant role in the economy of Assam. As of 2012, there are a total of 765 tea plantations and 78,091 small tea plantations in Assam. In 2012, Assam produced about 590,000 tonnes of tea. The tea industry employs an average of 6.86 lakh people daily. According to the Tea Board of India, tea production in Assam accounted for more than 50 per cent of India's total tea production from 2001 to
Fisheries are a significant part of the agricultural sector in Assam. At present, there is ample fish farming area in Assam. Assam is rich in rivers, reservoirs, canals, beaches, pits, streams, etc. They are naturally rich in fish. There are fish stocks in the beaches and reservoirs with extensive plains and floodplains of the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers. Fish farming in these lakes and ponds can be increased with scientific methods and planning. Areas with abundant potential for fish production have not been used properly. About 4490 million fish fry were produced in 2011-12 from a total fish production area of 3.94 lakh hectares. A total of 2.44 lakh tonnes of fish was produced in the state in the same year. In the last 10 years, fish fry production in Assam has increased about 2.5 times but fish production has increased only 1.5 times.
The fisheries industry sector in Assam has not contributed much to the GDP of the state as expected. So far, the fisheries sector has contributed only two per cent to the GDP of the state. Despite the huge potential, fish production in Assam is not very satisfactory. Assam currently exports 0.20 lakh tonnes of fish annually. There is a shortage of 0.52 lakh tonnes of fish annually in the state. Therefore, the price of fish in Assam is increasing at a high rate.
22. What are the agro-climatic zones of Assam? Briefly state the characteristics of these.
Answer:- The agro-climatic zones of Assam are 一
1) Southern Brahmaputra Valley Region
2) The plains of the north coast
3) Central Brahmaputra Valley Region
4) South Brahmaputra Valley Region
5) Barak Valley Region
6) Mountainous areas
These regions are characterized by 一
In the South Brahmaputra Valley region, 9.30 lakh hectares of land is cultivated, of which 50.43 per cent is cultivated with more than one crop.
In the North Coast Plains, 5.37 lakh hectares of land is cultivated, of which 62.57 per cent is cultivated with more than one crop.
In the Central Brahmaputra Valley region, 3.28 lakh hectares of land is cultivated, of which 26.21 per cent is cultivated with more than one crop.
In the South Brahmaputra Valley region, 6.20 lakh hectares of land is cultivated, of which 31.29 per cent is cultivated with more than one crop.
In the Barak Valley region, 2.42 lakh hectares of land is cultivated, of which 42.15 per cent is cultivated with more than one crop.
In the hilly areas, 1.54 lakh hectares of land is cultivated, of which 65.68 per cent is cultivated with more than one crop.
23. What are the rice crops grown in Assam? Write briefly about these.
Answer:- Rice is the main crop of Assam. It is cultivated in all parts of Assam. There are three main types of paddy grown in Assam. These are oilseed rice, paddy rice and barley rice. Among these, paddy is widely cultivated. Shali paddy accounts for about 70 per cent of the total paddy cultivated area in Assam. Paddy is grown in fertile loamy soils of Brahmaputra and Barak valleys. This cultivation is started in July, August and harvested in November and December.
Oats are grown in fertile plain soils and are widespread especially in southern Assam. Oats are grown in two ways, planting and sowing. Harvesting is done in February and March and in June and July.
Boro rice is also cultivated to a greater or lesser extent in all the districts of Assam. This paddy is usually grown in deep areas in winter and harvested before floods in the rainy season in June and July. This cultivation is especially popular among the people of flood affected areas. This is because floods destroy paddy crops.
24. Why is paddy the main crop of Assam?
Answer:- Rice is the main crop of Assam. Rice is grown in all climatic zones of Assam. Jhum paddy is grown in the plains as well as in the hilly areas of Assam. The dry climate of Assam is suitable for paddy cultivation, which can be widely cultivated in all regions. In 2011-12, a total of 25.45 lakh hectares of paddy was cultivated and 50.45 lakh metric tonnes of paddy was produced. The paddy produced in Assam meets the demand of the people of the state and earns a huge income through its exports.
25. What pulses are grown in Assam?
Answer:- The major pulses of Assam are groundnut, peanut, lentil, pea, cassava and beet.
26. Briefly write about Jhum cultivation in Assam.
Answer:- Jhum cultivation is the agricultural activity of tribal people by clearing the land with traditional tools by cutting down forests in the mountains. After several years of jhum cultivation in the same plot, if the fertility of the soil decreases, another plot is selected and jhum cultivation is started again. Jhum cultivation is closely associated with the arts, culture and way of life of the tribal people. Jhum agriculture is practiced in the Karbi-Anglong and Dimahasao hill districts of Assam. Mountains cover 66 per cent of the total land area of Karbi Anglong district and 85 per cent of the total area of Dimapur hill district. Jhum is cultivated in these areas. Jhum is cultivated on an area of about 5452 sq km in Karbi-Anglong district and about 2597 sq km in Dima Hasao district. Jhum is a type of mixed farming but it does not give good yields. This cultivation has caused environmental problems such as deforestation, land erosion and decreased soil fertility.
27. What are the main objectives of the Industrial and Investment Policy of Assam 2014?
Answer:-
▶️ To increase the GDP of the State by developing the manufacturing sector and service sector as well as various economic activities in the State.
▶️ Increase per capita income and employment opportunities in the state, especially in rural areas
▶️ Increase the amount of investment for the development of micro, small and medium enterprises in the state
▶️ Create a large number of skilled people
28. What is meant by service sector industry? Explain with examples.
Answer:- Service sector industries are those industries in the economy that make goods available to consumers.
Service sector industries are - commerce, communication and transport, tourism industry, hotel business, banking and insurance all types of businesses, public administration.
For example, through trade, consumers get the goods produced. Communication and transportation systems are involved in moving produced goods from one place to another.
29. What are the major agro-based industries in Assam?
Answer:- The major agro-based industries in Assam are 一 Forest Industry, Tea Industry, Silk Industry, Rubber Industry, Food Processing Industry and Paper Industry.
30. Briefly write about the tea industry in Assam.
Answer:- The tea industry is the largest agricultural industry in Assam. Assam tea has a reputation in the world. The industry has been playing a significant role in the economy of Assam. Assam alone produces more than half of India's total tea production. The tea industry has developed in the state due to the favorable natural environment required for tea cultivation. As of 2012, there are 765 tea plantations and 78,091 small tea plantations in Assam. Tea is cultivated on a total area of 318,000 hectares in Assam. in the case of tea production. Assam produced 500,000 tonnes of tea in 2009 and about 590,000 tonnes in The tea industry employs a considerable number of people in Assam. The tea industry in Assam employs an average of more than 6.86 lakh people daily. According to the Tea Board of India, smallholder tea farmers in Assam have produced about 107,000 tonnes of tea on about 88,000 hectares of land.
31. What is the present situation of the fisheries industry in Assam?
Answer:- Agriculture plays an important role in the economy of Assam. The agricultural sector is wide and includes livestock and fisheries. At present, there is ample fish farming area in Assam. Assam is rich in rivers, reservoirs, canals, beaches, pits, streams, etc. They are naturally rich in fish.
There are fish stocks in the beaches and reservoirs with extensive plains and floodplains of the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers. Fish farming in these lakes and ponds can be increased with scientific methods and planning. Areas with abundant potential for fish production have not been used properly.
According to 2011-12 data, there are 430 government registered beaches in Assam covering an area of about 60,000 hectares. On the other hand, 40,000 hectares of 767 beaches remain unregistered.
About 4490 million fish fry were produced in 2011-12 from a total fish production area of 3.94 lakh hectares. A total of 2.44 lakh tonnes of fish was produced in the state in the same year. In the last 10 years, fish fry production in Assam has increased about 2.5 times but fish production has increased only 1.5 times.
District-wise fish fry production data shows that Barpeta district produced the highest number of fish fry in 2011-1 Then, Karimganj and Nagaon districts have produced more fish fry. Similarly, Nagaon district ranks first, Kachar and Dhubri districts second and third respectively in fish production
The fisheries industry sector in Assam has not contributed much to the GDP of the state as expected. So far, the fisheries sector has contributed only two per cent to the GDP of the state. Despite the huge potential, fish production in Assam is not very satisfactory. Assam currently exports 0.20 lakh tonnes of fish annually. There is a shortage of 0.52 lakh tonnes of fish annually in the state. Therefore, the price of fish in Assam is increasing at a high rate.
32. What are the problems of agricultural development in Assam?
Answer:-
▶️ Traditional agriculture in the plains of Assam and Jhum cultivation in the hilly areas are still traditionally practiced in the old way.
▶️ Farmers in Assam are usually divided into small plots of land which makes it difficult to apply modern agricultural implements and techniques.
▶️ Irrigation systems are not improved and irrigation facilities are inadequate.
▶️It is widely grown in Assam and is of great importance in the agricultural economy. However, no emphasis has been placed on the application of modern agricultural methods for the improvement of this cultivation.
▶️Flood and erosion have affected agriculture in Assam. More than 25 per cent of the total cultivated land in the state is destroyed by floods annually and a considerable amount of fertile soil is washed away by rivers every year due to erosion.
▶️Lack of proper agricultural planning to protect farmers as well as agriculture affected by drought.
▶️ Crop protection systems and harvesting methods are not improved.
▶️ Storage facilities for crops, especially food crops, are very limited.
▶️Farmers are financially vulnerable due to lack of direct access to fair price for their produce.
▶️ Lack of easy access to quality seeds, fertilizers, agricultural implements and agricultural loans at subsidized rates.
▶️Lack of improved transportation between rural agricultural areas and urban markets.
▶️ The development of agriculture and agro-based industries is not going on in parallel.
▶️The use of relatively low cost electricity in agricultural mechanization is limited.
▶️ Lack of overall infrastructure for agricultural development in the state.
33. Write down the reasons why industrial development in Assam is still slow.
Answer:-
▶️Lack of coherent planning for industrial development through proper use of natural resources in the state.
▶️ Limited and slow development of agro-based industry sector despite its huge potential
▶️ Poor transportation and communication system
▶️ Lack of capital
▶️Energy supply and distribution is not regular and adequate in proportion to the demand in the state
▶️ Lack of proper planning to increase entrepreneurial spirit among the local people
▶️ Lack of simple and relaxed industrial policy for setting up industries
▶️ Investment is not satisfactory, especially foreign investors are not interested in investing in Assam due to the insurgency in the state.
▶️ Despite the huge potential in the state, the tourism industry has not developed as expected due to insufficient capital investment in the tourism sector, poor transportation system, lack of environment to attract foreign tourists, poor infrastructure of tourist destinations etc.
▶️The food processing industry has not developed as expected due to lack of proper warehouses for storage of perishable agricultural crops.
▶️ Lack of infrastructure for industrialization.
34. State the problems of the tourism industry in Assam.
Answer:- The reasons why the tourism sector has not developed as expected despite the huge potential in the state are as follows
▶️Insufficient capital investment:- Foreign investors are not interested in investing in Assam especially due to the insurgency problems in the state.
▶️ Poor transportation:- There are no easy roads to reach many tourist destinations till date. Most of the tourist destinations are only available by road. They are not yet accessible by rail or air.
▶️Lack of environment to attract foreign tourists:- There is very little news or advertisement about tourist destinations in newspapers or any electronic media. As a result, outside tourists are not aware of the environment available here.
▶️Poor infrastructure of tourist destinations:- Another reason for the poor development of the tourism industry is the lack of hotels, restaurants etc. for adequate food and accommodation around the tourist destinations ǀ
35. What are the prospects for economic development in Assam?
Answer:- Before independence, there was no special industry in Assam except the tea industry and the Digboi oil industry. However, in the last three decades, efforts have been made to improve the infrastructure required for entrepreneurship in the state. As a result, new industries have emerged. These industries include oil refineries, petrochemical industries, fertilizer factories, paper mills, cement mills, sugar mills, cotton mills, cotton mills etc. Currently, there are more than 100 medium and 17,500 small scale industries in Assam. Assam is also advanced in handicrafts and handicrafts. Velvet yarn production is an exclusive industry in Assam. There is no suitable market for jute, bamboo and cane handicrafts and brass handicrafts in Assam. There is not enough capital invested in these. Due to the lack of goodwill and indifference of the government, local handicrafts in Assam still have to compete with imported handicrafts. Otherwise, these handicrafts would have established the standard of Assam in the world.
Assam is also a rich state in mineral resources. Assam earns a lot of revenue from mineral resources. Assam is also rich in forest resources. They earn huge income from bamboo, cane, sugarcane, firewood, beaches, canals and fish resources available in the forests of Assam and from rocks and sand in the river banks. There is also a lot of potential in the tourism industry in Assam. The industry can be developed through convenient transport and communication facilities, advertising etc. Assam is also rich in land and water resources. However, appropriate land use planning based on soil properties has not yet been done. The abundant water resources of the Brahmaputra, Barak and their tributaries in Assam have not been used promisingly so far. With proper planning, the water resources of Assam can be used in the sectors of agriculture, industry, energy and transport to accelerate the economic development of the state.
Assam, like other states of India, has a lot of potential for human resource development. Looking at the occupational characteristics of the population of Assam, it can be seen that the State has not made much progress in the secondary, tertiary and fourth sectors except primary occupation. Human resource development can only be expected if the efficiency of the large population of the State is increased and employment is provided in the economic sectors. In addition, the vulnerable sections of the population, especially the poor, disabled and women, must be appropriately empowered. If natural resources are used irrationally in the name of economic development, the people will suffer the consequences if they disappear at some point.
Additional And Question Bank Q. Answers
1. Write down four reasons why industrial development in Assam is still slow.
Answer:- There are four reasons why industrial development in Assam is slow:
1. Lack of adequate natural resources: Lack of high quality raw materials and energy sources.
2. Lack of mechanical technology: Lack of modern technology resulting in low productivity.
3. Values and infrastructural problems: Lack of necessary conditions for industries, such as proper roads and transportation.
4. Human Resource Inefficiencies: Lack of Skilled Personnel and Training.
5.These have slowed down industrial development in Assam.
2.What are the major agro-based industries in Assam? Briefly explain the tea industry in Assam.
Answer:- The major agro-based industries in Assam are:
Tea Industry: It is the most popular and economically important industry in Assam.
Rise Gas Production: It is a major gas production center in the country.
Kanka (agricultural production): rice, wheat, and various horticultural crops.
Production of chillies and garlic: Especially spice crops.
The tea industry in Assam is one of the most important agro-based industries in the country. The climate and soil quality of Assam is very suitable for the production of this industry. Tea plantations are widespread especially in the northern and southern regions of Assam. Tea production is considered to be a major source of economic development of the local people. Assam tea production accounts for about 50% of the total tea production in India. Tea is mainly sold in the local market as well as in the international market, which contributes significantly to the economy of the state.
3. Name the major mineral resources of Assam. Briefly explain the oil fields of Assam.
Answer:-The major mineral resources of Assam are:
Raw Materials - such as lemur, copper, and other minerals.
The oil fields in Assam are characterized by the fact that the state is the largest oil producer in India. The oil fields of Assam make an important contribution to the national economy of the country. It serves as a long-term source of employment for the local people. Oil production and refining is essential for the development and economic stability of the State. Oil fields in Assam also play a significant role in gas production. The oil and gas produced are also sold in foreign markets, which supports the economic development of the state.
4. Briefly write about the potential of the tourism industry in Assam.
Answer: Assam has huge potential in the tourism industry. Some of the main reasons are:
Natural Beauty: Assam attracts tourists for its beautiful mountains, rivers, and climate.
Culture and Traditions: The diversity of Buddhist, Hindu, and various tribal cultures of Assam is a special attraction for tourism.
National Parks and Sanctuaries: Places like Kaziranga and Manas National Parks are popular for wildlife.
Cultural Festivals: Bihu, Magh Bihu, and other festivals encouraged tourism.
With all these possibilities, it is the right time to develop the tourism industry in Assam.
5. Discuss the contribution of agriculture to the economy of Assam.
Answer: Assam is an agricultural state. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy of Assam. More than 53 per cent of the total workforce is employed in the agricultural sector. The agricultural sector has been playing an important role in the economic development of Assam. 88 per cent of the total arable land in Assam is cultivated, and the production of paddy, wheat, paddy, and pulses is special for agriculture. Therefore, agriculture is a major driving force for the economy of Assam.
6. Present an account of the mineral resource-based industries of Assam.
Answer: The following topics can be mentioned to give an account of the mineral resource based industries of Assam:
Oil Enterprises: Oil is the largest mineral resource in Assam. The major oil producing centers of Assam are the Goalpara, Dibrugarh, and Tezpur regions.
Registered Minerals: Assam produces mineral resources like coal, limestone, bauxite, and potash.
Industrial area: Assam has developed various industries using mineral resources, such as leather, government boots, and mineral-based manufacturing.
Foreign Trade: Commerce has been developed as a major part of the economy of Assam through the use of mineral resources.
Through this account, the development and significance of the mineral resource-based industries in Assam is understood
Editing By:- Lipi Medhi
