Skill Development in the Agriculture and Allied Sectors in Assam: The Case of Piggery, Fishery and Spices; Executive Summary

Abstract

Agriculture is one of the key drivers of the Indian economy, employing around 50 per cent of India’s total workforce and contributing around 17 per cent to the gross domestic product (GDP). India produces a diverse range of agriculture products and is the world’s largest producer and consumer of spices. Livestock and fisheries have emerged as major growth sectors - livestock production constitutes around 34 per cent of the total agriculture production. India is the third largest fish producer in the world accounting for around 6.3 per cent of total global production. India is both a large importer and exporter of agri-commodities and has a positive trade balance in this sector. Improving agricultural productivity, providing greater market access, doubling farmers’ income by 2022 are priority areas for the Government of India. In a country with large population dependent on agriculture, skill development and job creation in this sector have received government’s attention and several policies, schemes and initiatives have been designed to support development of skills and employment opportunities in agriculture. As agriculture is a state subject in the quasi-federal governance structure of India, states play a key role in aligning their policies with the Central government on the one hand and addressing the state-specific issues and priorities on the other. There are region-specific distinctive features of the agriculture sector and need for targeted interventions.