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Assam Rural Infrastructure, Agricultural Services Project
India Header"We get two paddy crops a year."
Problem:
Almost 2/3 of Assam’s farmers lived below the poverty line: They could plant only one crop a year because there was too little water in the dry season and too much in the monsoon season. Only 7% of the state's irrigation potential was exploited and Assam’s rice yields were far lower than in other Indian states. Farming practices were old, and cattle were from poor genetic stock. Despite numerous water bodies, fish production fell far short of demand. Rural infrastructure was deficient.

Example of Impact:
With World Bank support:
  • Farmers’ incomes have increased substantially
  • The poorest farm families have benefited most
  • An additional spring crop is being grown
  • Paddy yields per hectare have tripled
  • Farmers have diversified into higher value crops: vegetables, fruits, and oilseeds
  • Output of milk and fish has risen
  • Over 500 villages with almost 850,000 people are now connected with all weather roads
  • Assam has become self-sufficient in rice production -- the staple foodgrain -- for the first time in decades.
Approach:
  • Shallow tube-wells and community-managed lift irrigation systems water fields in the dry season
  • Farmers helped to buy high-yielding seeds for new crops and trained in better farming techniques
  • Genetic stock of cattle upgraded and animal nutrition improved
  • Weed-choked ponds cleaned and seeded with carp; fisheries cooperatives formed
  • Village roads widened and strengthened; wooden bridges made concrete
  • Women’s incomes increased through duck rearing, growing marigolds, and weaving
Challenges Remaining:
The work done under this project will be taken to the next level by the new US$154 million Assam Agricultural Competitiveness Project. The new project will emphasize:
  • Marketing of produce
  • Further increasing milk production
  • Providing farmers with tractors and power tillers while reducing subsidy from 70% to 30%
  • Improving rural infrastructure such as village markets and link roads



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