Rice output can improve by 15% in east India by 2017-18: Assocham

Says integrate holistic approach coupled with a well-planned strategy are imperative to increase rice output in the region

Rice output in eastern India could increase by over 15% to 6.7 million tonnes by 2017-18 crop year (July-June) by promoting better farm practises and agri-technologies, says an Assocham study.

Currently, eastern India -- comprising West Bengal, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Assam and Jharkhan -- produces over 5.8 million tonnes of rice.

Noting that east India has potential to emerge as 'rice bowl of India', the Assocham study said that an "integrate holistic approach coupled with a well-planned strategy" are imperative to increase rice output in the region.

Assocham recommended, "focused research in evolving hybrid seeds in developing transgenic rice to address the problem of nutrients, pests, diseases, drought and floods."

East India -- which has rice acreage of 23 million hectares and also blessed with abundant natural resources -- is currently grappling with sluggish yields and production on account of recurring drought and floods, poor growth in spread of high yielding varieties, injudicious use of agri inputs and poor credit facilities, the study observed.

To bridge yield gaps, the study suggested use of hybrids, inter-cropping, increased mechanisation, use of micro nutrients, extension support and demonstration centres.

It also emphasised that increased production should be supported by remunerative price to farmers and suitable procurement arrangement in the region.

Besides rice, Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat suggested evaluation for promoting other crops like maize, pulses and oilseeds should be undertaken for optimum use of land and local needs of the region.

Also, fish production needs to be scaled up in eastern region as it plays a significant role in socio-economic structure of farmers in the region, he added.